Axar Patel becomes a fan of Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy after India's first T20I win over Sri Lanka

Indian all-rounder Axar Patel has showered rich praise on Suryakumar Yadav for his innovative approach as captain after the tourists recorded a 43-run win over Sri Lanka in the opening game of the ongoing three-match T20I series in Pallekele on Saturday, July 27.

With the new Indian T20I captain adopting a player-centric and flexible approach, the left-arm spinner described Suryakumar as the bowlers' captain. Notably, Suryakumar took over from Rohit Sharma as T20I captain after his retirement from T20Is.

Axar Patel hails Suryakumar Yadav as bowlers' captain after first T20I win over Sri Lanka

Axar said that Suryakumar, who is known for his aggressive batting and strategic mind, is giving bowlers the freedom to make key decisions on the field and inspiring the bowlers whenever they are hit by the batters.

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Notably, Axar finished with the impressive figures of 2/38 in his quota of four overs to help Team India all out Sri Lanka to 170 while chasing the target of 214 runs in the high-scoring T20I series opener at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

On the other hand, Suryakumar had a remarkable day both as captain and batter, playing a stunning knock of 58 runs off 26 balls to have a winning start to the Sri Lanka tour and his career as a full-time Indian skipper. He was adjudged Player of the Match for his remarkable batting efforts in Pallekele.

Axar Patel said at the post-match press conference on Saturday in Pallekele: “I played in the last Australia series with Surya Bhai. I know that he is a bowlers' captain. He gives you free hand that you decide first. Whenever you get hit, he comes and says that it was a good ball. He keeps giving you input. As a player, there is a good bond with him.”

Axar Patel recalls experiencing playing under Suryakumar Yadav for the first time

The star spin all-rounder also recalled playing under Suryakumar’s captaincy during the five-match T20I series against Australia in India after the ODI World Cup 2023 last year. India had won that T20I series by a 4-1 margin against the ODI World Cup champions Australia.

Patel mentioned that he didn’t find much difference in Suryakumar’s leadership and explained how it matters to have captain’s confidence and backing for a bowler, especially when he was having a bad day. He was really impressed by India’s new T20I captain Suryakumar’s captaincy style.

Axar added, “As a captain, I have also played with him in the last five matches, and when I was playing today, I didn't feel much change. In the first three overs, when we were going for runs, he was telling me that we can do this or do that and how we can take a wicket. There is no problem if a four or six goes in it. As a bowler, you get confidence from that if the captain is backing you and telling you that you can do this.”

Notably, the second T20I between India and Sri Lanka will be played on Sunday, July 28, at the same venue, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Pallekele, where the Men in Blue will be aiming to clinch the three-match T20I series after winning the first game.