Suryakumar Yadav, the newly appointed captain of India’s T20I cricket team, recently shared insights about his long-standing relationship with Gautam Gambhir, who has taken on the role of head coach. Their connection dates back to 2014 when Surya played under Gambhir’s captaincy at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In a video released by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Surya expressed his excitement about reuniting with Gambhir in national colours, emphasizing the significance of their bond.

Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir’s special relationship

“My relationship with him is quite special because I played under him in IPL 2014, and from there I started to get more opportunities,” Surya stated.

This acknowledgement highlights the pivotal role Gambhir played in Surya’s early career, providing him with a platform to showcase his talent. The phrase “Teen kadam chale aur aap bhi do kadam aaye, aur beech mei kahi toh mile” (Walked three steps, and you walked two steps, and we met along the way) encapsulates the essence of their journey together, illustrating how their paths have intertwined over the years.

Here’s the video:

Surya’s sentiments reflect not only nostalgia but also a sense of continuity in their professional relationship.

“He knows how I work and my mindset for the game. Very excited to see how it goes forward,” he added, indicating a mutual understanding that could prove beneficial as they embark on this new chapter together.

Leadership insights

With Surya stepping into the captaincy role, he brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective on leadership.

“I’ve always enjoyed being a leader on the field even if I was not the captain. I’ve learnt a lot of things while playing under different captains. So it’s a good feeling and a great responsibility,” Surya remarked underscoring his readiness to embrace the challenges that come with leading the national team, drawing from his experiences with various captains throughout his career.

The decision to appoint Surya as captain comes on the heels of Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20I cricket, a move that surprised many in the cricketing community. While Hardik Pandya was widely anticipated to take over the role, the selectors opted for Surya, citing positive feedback from the dressing room and his impressive track record as a leader. Pragyan Ojha, a former Indian spinner, noted that Surya’s prior connection with Gambhir likely played a role in this decision, as their shared history fosters a strong camaraderie that can benefit the team.

Balancing Life and Cricket

In the same video, Surya also touched upon the importance of maintaining balance in life as a sportsman.

“This is not your life, this is only a part of your life. When you do well you stay on top and when you are not doing well, you go underground,” he explained.

This perspective is crucial for athletes who often face the pressures of public scrutiny and performance expectations. Surya’s approach emphasizes the need for resilience and a grounded mindset, which can help players navigate the highs and lows of their careers.

He further elaborated, “That’s what helps me create balance in my life, so if you are a good person, then everything happens good.” This philosophy reflects a mature understanding of the sport and life beyond it, suggesting that character and integrity play vital roles in achieving success.

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Surya and Gambhir’s duo look ahead to mark a new era

As India prepares for its upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka, the reunion of Surya and Gambhir is highly anticipated. Their partnership could mark the beginning of a new era for Indian cricket, with both individuals bringing their unique strengths to the table. Surya’s recent success as a captain, including leading India to a 4-1 series victory against Australia, positions him well for this new challenge.

The combination of Surya’s dynamic playing style and Gambhir’s strategic acumen could potentially lead to significant achievements for the Indian team in the T20 format. With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, the duo’s collaboration will be closely watched as they aim to build a cohesive and competitive team.

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