Not Gautam Gambhir! Suryakumar Yadav following this legend’s orders in T20 World Cup 2026

Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav has given a lot of credit to former skipper Rohit Sharma for the team's ongoing success. Ahead of the highly anticipated ICC T20 World Cup 2026 final, Surya stated that playing under Rohit for many years helped him learn how to lead a championship-winning side.

India are set to face New Zealand in the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday, March 8. The Men in Blue reached the summit clash after a thrilling seven-run victory over England at the Wankhede Stadium. Surya’s leadership style has become a major talking point among cricket fans.

I Only Follow Rohit Sharma's Footsteps - Suryakumar Yadav

During the pre-match press conference, Suryakumar Yadav was asked about his captaincy style. Suryakumar stated that he observed Rohit Sharma's strategy and fundamentals very closely while playing under him. Surya noted that he has tried to implement the same successful strategies.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

“Sir, shoes are mine, I only follow his footsteps. The way, where he left, I got to learn a lot of things from him when I was playing under him. So, I also followed the same strategy, same fundamentals."

"I played a lot of cricket with Rohit. I know how he worked. So, I tried to implement the same things with a few thoughts of mine as well. And it’s worked really well,” Surya said.

They Don’t Let Me Talk Much - Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav also shared his philosophy on handling the younger players in the dressing room. He believes that being too strict or acting like a "big brother" doesn't always work. Surya said that he prefers to give the players total freedom to express themselves and play their natural game.

“They don’t let me talk much in the dressing room. They dictate their own terms. So, I have seen that when they get freedom, they become a different character on the ground," Surya replied.

“I started to relate to this team after 5-6 months (of captaincy). After that, I understood that there is no point in being a big brother or a father. You have to leave them. There is no point in holding on to them. You have to leave them open. Only then you can get the best from them."

“Every player has different skills and strengths. It’s not that I haven’t said anything to anyone. I have spoken to the players. But those who feel that I have left them, that percentage has increased from the start till now. So, I haven’t said much to anyone,” he added.

Suryakumar Yadav's Batting Stats in T20 World Cup 2026

Suryakumar Yadav has been a key contributor with the bat throughout the T20 World Cup 2026. He is currently the team's second-highest run-scorer heading into the final against New Zealand. SKY has smashed 242 runs in eight innings at an average of 34.57 and a strike rate of 137.50.

The right-handed batter started the tournament with a brilliant 84* off 49 balls against the USA in Mumbai. While he has failed to replicate that same explosive form in recent matches, he has still managed several useful contributions.

After a disappointing dismissal for 11 runs off six balls in the semifinal, the Indian skipper will be desperate to play a match-winning knock in the final on Sunday.

Also read: India vs New Zealand Weather Report, Final: Rain forecast for T20 World Cup 2026 match