Not Gautam Gambhir! Suryakumar Yadav reveals 4 people who made him India’s T20I captain

Middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav revealed that four individuals appointed him as India’s T20I captain. Suryakumar stated that former BCCI secretary Jay Shah, chief selector Ajit Agarkar, former head coach Rahul Dravid, and outgoing captain Rohit Sharma made the crucial decision following the 2024 World Cup.

The Men in Blue secured the T20 World Cup 2024 under Rohit’s captaincy. However, Rohit announced his retirement from the format following the summit clash. It was expected that then vice-captain Hardik Pandya would become the T20I captain, but Suryakumar was appointed as the full-time captain instead.

Jay Shah Called Me and Told Me That... - Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav recalled that he was called by Jay Shah just before a bilateral series against Sri Lanka. He stated that the former BCCI secretary delivered the news of his captaincy appointment.

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“So we waited for a few days before the series, and then there was a time when Jay Bhai, the BCCI secretary at that time, called me three or four days before the Sri Lanka series. I think we were going to Sri Lanka," said Suryakumar to Press Trust of India (PTI).

"He called me and told me that they were making me the captain of the T20 team going forward. Yes, he called me first. But I was pretty sure that it was all being planned by Rohit Bhai and Ajit Bhai at that time. Gautam Bhai came in later. They, along with Rahul Sir — Rahul Dravid, the coach then — had discussed it with Jay Bhai.Then they decided that I should lead India going forward," he added.

Jay Shah Is Very Straightforward and Treats Each Player Differently - Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav said that Jay Shah is straightforward and treats every player based on their personality. He revealed that Shah has followed his career since his Ranji Trophy debut and has always backed him, with their interactions remaining positive, constructive, and encouraging.

"He’s very straightforward and treats each player differently, according to their personality. He never uses a one-size-fits-all approach. Whenever he meets me, or even when I’m standing in a group, he tells people that he has been following me since 2010–2011, when I made my Ranji Trophy debut."

"He was very supportive when I made my India debut as well. I even messaged him then to thank him for giving me the opportunity. Since then, every conversation with him has been very positive — all constructive and encouraging," Suryakumar added.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Captaincy Success in T20Is

The decision yielded results for the India National Cricket Team. Suryakumar Yadav has secured 42 victories in 52 matches as captain, boasting an exceptional win percentage of over 80. The team remained undefeated in all bilateral T20I series during his tenure.

India defended their T20 World Cup title on home soil in 2026. Surya has played 113 T20Is and scored 3,272 runs at an average of 36.85 and a strike rate of 162.94, including 25 fifties and four centuries.

Following the historic T20 World Cup triumph, Suryakumar is preparing for the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) season. He will represent Mumbai Indians, aiming to replicate his phenomenal performances from the previous campaign.

During the 2025 season, he scored 717 runs in 16 innings at an impressive average of 65.18 and a strike rate of 167.91. The team lost to Punjab Kings in the Eliminator.

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