Suryakumar Yadav drops 2 colossal statements on Hardik Pandya's role and captaincy pressure

Newly appointed Team India T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav has opened up about all-rounder Hardik Pandya's role in the team for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka. Suryakumar Yadav's statement comes after taking over charge as Rohit Sharma's successor at the helm in the short format of the game.

Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from T20I cricket after the T20 World Cup 2024 winning campaign. Many expected that Hardik Pandya would be named captain in T20Is. However, selection committee chairman Ajit Agarkar and new head coach Gautam Gambhir chose Suryakumar Yadav as the captain.

Notably, Hardik is the skipper of the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League. Suryakumar played under Hardik's captaincy during the IPL 2024 season. However, roles have changed in Team India for the upcoming three-match T20I series in Sri Lanka. Shubman Gill was named vice-captain of the side.

Hardik Pandya's Role Will Be The Same - Suryakumar Yadav

Speaking during a pre-match press conference, Suryakumar Yadav reassured everyone by saying that Hardik Pandya will continue to play an important role for the team. Yadav described Hardik as a very important player for Team India.

“Hardik’s role is very important. His role will be the same, he is a very important player for Team India,” Suryakumar told reporters.

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Hardik Pandya played for the Indian cricket team during the T20 World Cup 2024. The 30-year-old batter was the fifth-highest scorer for the Indian team, with 144 runs in six innings at an average of 48 and a strike rate of 151.57. He was India's third-highest wicket-taker, with 11 wickets at an economy rate of 7.64.

The Mumbai Indians skipper opted out of the three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Rohit Sharma returned to lead the Men in Blue in the upcoming series. The first ODI match is set to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on August 2, Friday. The remaining two matches will also be played in Colombo.

My batting style won't change. Pressure is fun - Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged that the captaincy has given him added responsibility. However, the middle-order batter stated that his brand of cricket remains the same. Yadav said he wants to deliver for the team under pressure.

"Captaincy has given me added responsibility. But my brand of cricket remains the same. My batting style won't change. Pressure is fun," Suryakumar added.

The 33-year-old batter has limited captaincy experience at both international and the India Premier League levels. Suryakkumar led the Indian team in seven T20I matches, securing five wins, including a 4-1 series victory over Australia. He also captained the Mumbai Indians in one match during the IPL 2023.

The Mumbai cricketer is currently ranked second among T20 internationals. The right-handed batter has amassed 2,340 runs in 68 matches, with an average of 43.33 and an impressive strike rate of 167.74. He has scored four centuries and 19 half-centuries, with a highest score of 117 against England in 2022.

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