Suryakumar Yadav: ‘I Want to Be a Leader, Not Just a Captain
Surya kumar – India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav recently shared his thoughts on what leadership means to him ahead of the second T20 match against England in Chennai. Speaking on Hotstar’s special show Superstars, Suryakumar revealed that his ambition goes beyond being a traditional captain – he aims to be a leader who inspires his team on and off the field.
“I don’t just want to wear the captain’s badge; I want to be a leader,” he said. “If we want to achieve something as a team, everyone has to be on the same page. I focus on the little things – the basics, good habits, whether it’s on the field or off it. And when it’s time to play, I encourage everyone to just let go, enjoy the moment, and give their best.” Under his leadership, India started the five-match T20 series on a high note, defeating England in the first game at Eden Gardens, Kolkata, with a confident seven-wicket victory.
“Leadership Is About Unity and Enjoying the Journey – Suryakumar emphasized that being a leader is more about building trust and unity within the team than just giving instructions. “Being a leader is about creating an environment where everyone feels involved and motivated,” he explained. “It’s not just about cricket strategies; it’s about fostering the right mindset and making sure everyone enjoys the journey.” Suryakumar was appointed as India’s T20 captain last year following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format. His promotion came at a pivotal moment, right after India’s memorable T20 World Cup win in Barbados. Following the victory, senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja decided to step away from T20s, paving the way for a younger generation under Suryakumar’s leadership.
An Emotional Milestone for Suryakumar and His Family – Talking about the day he was named captain, Suryakumar described it as an unforgettable moment. “It was an emotional day for me. I immediately called my family, and we had a heartfelt conversation. After that, I took a deep breath to soak it all in, and then we celebrated. I even cooked dinner with my wife’s help – it was a simple but special evening,” he shared. As India navigates this new phase in T20 cricket, Suryakumar’s focus on leading with vision, unity, and joy reflects his determination to build a stronger and more cohesive team. Fans are eagerly waiting to see how this approach shapes the team’s performance in the rest of the series and beyond.