Captain Suryakumar Yadav Addresses Shubman Gill’s Rise and T20I Role

Suryakumar Yadav, currently leading India in T20 Internationals, has openly discussed the pressures of leadership, including a ‘fear’ of losing his captaincy due to the impressive rise of Shubman Gill. Gill has taken on significant leadership roles, captaining in ODIs and Tests, and has also been appointed as the T20I vice-captain. The Indian T20I squad under Suryakumar is renowned for its aggressive batting strategies and a balanced mix of players, which recently led them to victory in the Asia Cup 2025. Although Suryakumar has experienced a lull in his personal run-scoring, his captaincy has been effective. He shared his candid thoughts on Gill’s progression: ‘I won’t lie, everyone feels that fear. But, it is the kind of fear that keeps you motivated.’ He highlighted the excellent chemistry with Gill, describing their relationship as ‘amazing off the field and on it,’ and how this encourages him to play his best. Suryakumar, who debuted internationally at 31, maintains that he doesn’t let such anxieties hinder his approach. He is committed to his rigorous training and honest efforts, believing that focusing on these aspects will ultimately secure his position and performance in the team.