"I hope to keep receiving your support"- Suryakumar Yadav after beating Hardik Pandya to India's T20I Captaincy

Middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav has issued an official statement after being appointed as India’s T20I captain for the upcoming series against Sri Lanka. Suryakumar Yadav expressed gratitude towards fans for their outpouring love, support, and best wishes since being appointed India captain in T20Is.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) ended speculation about who would take over the T20I captaincy after Rohit Sharma's retirement. The selection committee appointed Suryakumar Yadav as the captain for the upcoming T20I series in Sri Lanka. Shubman Gill will serve as his deputy in the series.

The board hasn't confirmed that Suryakumar Yadav is India's permanent T20I captain. However, Surya's appointment ahead of Hardik Pandya, who is also in the squad, indicates he is considered Rohit Sharma's successor in the shortest format. Surya is expected to lead the team till the T20 World Cup 2026.

Thank You So Much For The Outpouring Love - Suryakumar Yadav

Fans had mixed reactions on social media, with many believing Hardik Pandya deserved the captaincy. However, Suryakumar Yadav thanked fans for their support in his Instagram post on July 19. The newly appointed T20I captain acknowledged the new responsibility and expressed hope for continued support.

"Thank you so much for the outpouring love, support, and best wishes from you. Last few weeks have been nothing short of a dream and I am truly grateful.🧿 Playing for country is the most special feeling that I will never be able to describe in words," Surya wrote.

"This new role bring with it, a lot of responsibility, excitement and enthusiasm. I hope to keep receiving your support and blessings. ♥️All fame reached God, God is great🙏🏻,” he continued.

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Hardik Pandya Falls Down the Pecking Order in T20 Captaincy

Hardik Pandya appeared to be the leading candidate to replace Rohit Sharma as India's full-time T20I captain. The all-rounder served as vice-captain during the T20 World Cup 2024. The 30-year-old played a crucial role in the Men in Blue's victory in the ICC tournament in the West Indies and the USA.

Pandya had reportedly fallen out of the pecking order due to concerns over his injury struggles. The Baroda all-rounder led the team in T20Is for much of 2023. Suryakumar Yadav led India in the series against Australia and South Africa after Pandya was ruled out due to a freak injury during the 2023 World Cup.

Shubman Gill has been appointed vice-captain for India's T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka. The young opening batter led the Indian cricket team to a 4-1 victory against Zimbabwe in the five-match series. Sanju Samson, who was Gill's deputy in Zimbabwe, has also been included in the squad for the Sri Lanka tour.

Also read: Wasim Jaffer shares a cryptic post after Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma go missing from India's squads vs Sri Lanka