Suryakumar Yadav insecure with Shubman Gill's T20I comeback? Irfan Pathan makes big claim

Former India National Cricket Team all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared his views on the talks that the skipper Suryakumar Yadav is feeling insecure and uneasy with the return of Shubman Gill to the T20I setup.

Irfan Pathan said that Suryakumar Yadav would not be under any kind of pressure because the appointment of Shubman Gill as T20I vice-captain would have been made with the skipper's consent.

Shubman Gill is in line to replace Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain

Shubman Gill has officially made his way back into the Indian T20I team for the Asia Cup 2025, and that too as a vice-captain, which guarantees him a place in the playing XI.

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According to multiple reports, Suryakumar's spot as India's T20I captain is under threat, with Gill's comeback, and he could be sacked sooner rather than later.

BCCI is keen to groom Gill as the next T20I captain because Suryakumar Yadav will turn 35 soon, and the Test captain was identified as the most eligible candidate for the job after a lengthy discussion.

Also, the board has sent a clear message to Suryakumar Yadav with Gill's appointment that he needs to step up his game because he last scored a T20I fifty in October 2024, and since then, his numbers in T20I cricket have been extremely poor.

This also means that Surya is aware of the bigger picture - Irfan Pathan

Talking about the Suryakumar Yadav-Shubman Gill situation, Irfan Pathan said that the current India T20I captain is aware of what is happening within the setup.

"Shubman was the vice-captain, and then he started playing Test cricket and got busy. The decision to appoint Shubman Gill as vice-captain would not have happened without Surya’s consent. His approval was definitely there.

"This also means that Surya is aware of the bigger picture. As much as I know him, he's 34 now and understands that his responsibility goes beyond just performing on the field — he has to take care of the team and also help grow leadership within it. I believe he’s started doing that,” said Pathan to Sony Sports India, as quoted by India Today.

I don’t believe there are any insecurities in his mind - Irfan Pathan

Irfan Pathan further said that Suryakumar Yadav is a mature leader and any kind of insecurities won't creep into his mind because he understands how Gill's T20I comeback can benefit India.

“Bringing Shubman Gill in as vice-captain — while some might think it puts pressure on Surya — is actually a move that benefits Indian cricket in the long term. It also shows Surya’s maturity as a leader, earning him respect in the cricketing community.

"I truly believe he's very aware of the situation. What’s happening right now shouldn’t put any pressure on him. We've all seen what kind of cricketer he is in T20s. So I don’t believe there are any insecurities in his mind. If anything, this development will only strengthen him as a leader,” he added.

Also Read: 'Cheteshwar Pujara protected Virat Kohli....Shubman Gill doesn’t want to...': England legend's bold statement