Axar Patel hints why Suryakumar Yadav was appointed new T20I captain of India

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Axar Patel has praised newly-appointed T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka which starts from July 27. The comment from the all-rounder also gave a hint on why the BCCI selectors picked Suryakumar ahead of other contenders for the coveted position.

Axar Patel, who starred with the bat in the T20 World Cup 2024 final against South Africa, opined that Suryakumar Yadav would successfully keep the dressing room atmosphere cool as he was naturally fun-loving person.

He also predicted that Suryakumar would be a bowler's captain. He talked about the freedom the Mumbai cricketer gave the bowlers while leading Indian T20I side last year.

"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.

"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.

Further, the Gujarat all-rounder also talked about working with Gautam Gambhir, the new head coach of the Indian cricket team. The southpaw said he would get to know about the expectations of Gambhir from him, once he meets him.

"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," Axar Patel, who has been picked for the T20I as well as the ODI squad for the Sri Lanka tour, said.