Not MS Dhoni or Virat Kohli: Suryakumar Yadav aims to become captain like Rohit Sharma

India National Cricket Team skipper Suryakumar Yadav talked about the things that he has learned from the Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma. He said that he wants to apply the lessons that he has learned from a veteran batter to his leadership going forward.

The baton of the India T20I captaincy was passed to Suryakumar Yadav after Rohit Sharma retired from the format after leading the team to the T20 World Cup 2024 win. Since then, he has been leading the young team and is doing a terrific job as the captain of the team.

The template of the aggressive brand that was shown by Rohit Sharma is well and truly followed by Suryakumar Yadav. Under him and Gautam Gambhir, young players have been sensational as they believe in seeing the ball and hitting the ball, getting as many runs as possible in the 20 overs.

I’m enjoying the new role - Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav, who is currently captaining the India team in the Bangladesh series, said that he is enjoying his new role and claimed that the team and coaches have made it easy for him to lead. He added that he wants to continue batting the way he does and doesn't want captaincy to change his character.

Yadav also talked about his philosophy, saying that he wants to give freedom to players. He said that he wants to be a leader for the team, not just a captain on paper. Talking to Jio Cinema, he explained:

"I’m enjoying the new role. Our coach and my teammates have made it easy for me to lead and I have been feeling very positive about my new responsibility. At the same time, I don’t want captaincy to change my character, so I want to continue playing the way I’ve always played, and remain the same both on and off the field.”

"My philosophy is that I want the players to have the freedom to play their natural game and express themselves the way they do while playing for their states and franchises. When you join the Indian Cricket Team, the only thing that changes is the jersey, but the motivation to succeed remains the same. I want to be a leader for the team, not just a captain on paper. I always try to learn from my seniors and hope to implement the lessons I’ve learned from my previous captains.”

I’ve learned a lot about captaincy from Rohit - Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav lauded Rohit Sharma's captaincy during the second Test against Bangladesh, saying that the way the team played, was a testament to great captaincy. He also talked about his relationship with coach Gautam Gambhir, saying that he backs his ability and he always understands him. He elaborated:

"Watching Rohit Sharma bat in the Kanpur Test felt like the T20 series had already started. It was a perfect Rohit Sharma-style approach. Very few teams can force a result after losing over two days of play, but winning the Kanpur Test was a testament to great captaincy and leadership. I’ve learned a lot about captaincy from Rohit, and I hope to apply those lessons in my own leadership.”

"Coach Gambhir and I share a special bond. He has always backed my abilities, and I can never forget that. Even when I don’t express something to him, he somehow manages to understand me just by my body language or by looking into my eyes, which is special.”

I appreciate when I see batters contributing with the ball as well - Suryakumar Yadav

Ever since Suryakumar Yadav has taken over the leadership of the team, India batters also have contributed with the ball. This has allowed the team to have proper balance and go with a larger number of bowling options.

Suryakumar Yadav, while talking about the same, said that he appreciates when players take that extra responsibility and try to contribute by bowling. He added that if any players don't contribute with the bat he wants them to give their best in the field.

He concluded by saying that they want to continue playing the same brand of cricket that they did during the T20 World Cup 2024. He added:

“I appreciate when I see batters contributing with the ball as well. When players take that extra responsibility and try to contribute by bowling an over or two, it strengthens the team. If someone has a bad day with the bat, but I see them giving their all in the field, I believe that kind of all-around contribution can make the team a solid unit.”

“We want to continue playing the same brand of cricket we did during the recent T20 World Cup. If we keep playing that selfless brand of cricket, I believe we will continue to find success," he concluded.