'Lively Atmosphere, Mimicry, Bowler's Captain': How Suryakumar Yadav Won Over the Indian Dressing Room

BCCI chairman of selector Ajit Agarkar quite clearly explained the rationale behind Suryakumar Yadav being named T20I captain ahead of Hardik Pandya who was Rohit Sharma’s deputy during the recent world cup and the apparent heir to the throne.

Pandya had led the side admirably well in Rohit’s absence and was expected to lead the side at the world cup too. However, fitness played a major role in him falling down the pecking order as the BCCI went back to Rohit for the top job at the showpiece event which India went onto win for the first time since 2007.

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With Rohit retiring after the tournament and Pandya playing a key role in the title triumph, it was expected the allrounder will be named the T20I captain but the selectors’ threw up a surprise by naming Suryakumar instead.

On Monday, Agarkar made it crystal clear that they wanted someone for the top job who will be available “more often than not” and with Pandya “fitness is a clear challenge.”

Additionally, he said the decision wasn’t made overnight and there has been a lot of ‘feedback from the dressing room’ too.

Allrounder Axar Patel has revealed the qualities that tipped the scale in Suryakumar’s favour.

“I have spent a lot of time with Suryakumar,” Axar told ESPNcricinfo. “Surya bhai is a happy-go-lucky guy. He keeps the atmosphere lively, loves doing mimicry and such fun stuff. I know he will keep the atmosphere cool.”

“I recently played a five-game T20I series when he was the captain. I know he is a bowler’s captain. He gives the bowlers the fields they ask for. And it was like that with me, too. I don’t think there will be a lot of change. We will get to know now playing under his captaincy about his mindset. You can’t judge someone’s captaincy by one tour. When we play more, we will get to know more of his captaincy style,” he added.

Suryakumar led India in a five-match T20I series against Australia at home last year before captaining in South Africa as well. There were reports the manner in which he handled the players during his stint left a positive impression.