Suryakumar Yadav's Leadership: The Right Blend Of Fun And Strategy

Axar Patel has lauded the newly-appointed T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the Sri Lanka tour starting on July 27. His remarks also hinted at why BCCI selectors chose Suryakumar for this prestigious role over other candidates.

Patel, who shone with the bat in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa, believes Suryakumar will maintain a relaxed dressing room atmosphere due to his naturally fun-loving personality. He also predicted that Suryakumar would be a bowler-friendly captain.

"I have spent a lot of time with Suryakumar. 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," Axar told in an interview with ESPNcricinfo.

Axar shared insights into Suryakumar's leadership style from their recent five-game T20I series. "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," he added.

He emphasized that one cannot judge someone's captaincy based on just one tour. "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," Axar said.

Working with Gautam Gambhir

The Gujarat all-rounder also discussed working with Gautam Gambhir, the new head coach of the Indian cricket team. Axar mentioned that he would understand Gambhir's expectations from him once they meet and discuss.

"With Gautam bhai, yes, we will go to Sri Lanka, there will be meetings, we will exchange a few thoughts and after that I will get to know exactly what my role is and what he thinks. I will get more clarity on that only after that," said Axar Patel, who has been selected for both the T20I and ODI squads for the Sri Lanka tour.