Suryakumar Yadav Tipped to Be India's T20I Captain under Gautam Gambhir? Childhood Coach Shares Insight - Exclusive

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Mumbai, Jul 17: The cricketing corridors in India are abuzz with rumours that star batter Suryakumar Yadav might emerge as the dark horse for the position of India's new T20I captain.

With Rohit Sharma retiring from the format, the 33-year-old top-order batter from Mumbai has garnered support from some selectors as the next leader of the Indian Cricket Team in the shortest format.

While Hardik Pandya, the vice-captain of the champion Indian side in the T20 World Cup 2024, remains a strong contender, it will be intriguing to see who ultimately gets the nod.

A section of experts believes that the newly-appointed India captain, Gautam Gambhir, has thrown his support behind Suryakumar Yadav (SKY) for the job. Hardik's frequent injury struggles make SKY a more consistent choice.

Gambhir and Surya share a strong rapport, with the former playing a pivotal role in shaping Surya's career trajectory. Gambhir's guidance left an indelible mark on the young cricketer during his stint as Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) captain in the IPL, where he nurtured Surya's talent.

Ashok Aswalkar, Suryakumar Yadav's childhood coach, in an exclusive interview with myKhel, reminisced about the transformative impact of Gambhir's mentorship on Surya. "When Surya joined Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), Gautam Gambhir instantly recognised his potential," recalls Aswalkar. "Gambhir's leadership style resonated with Surya, who thrived under his tutelage."

Gambhir's astute understanding of aggressive cricket and his penchant for grooming talent proved instrumental in Surya's evolution as a cricketer. As Aswalkar puts it, "Gambhir's approach complemented Surya's aggressive style of play perfectly. He not only believed in Surya's abilities but also provided him with the platform and confidence to perform."

During a critical juncture in Surya's career, when questions about his delayed entry into Indian cricket arose, Gambhir's advice played a decisive role. Gambhir, who has been a mentor to Suryakumar, advised him to focus on fitness. His guidance has been instrumental in Suryakumar's journey.

"When he was being ignored by national selectors despite doing well in the domestic circuit and frustration crept into Surya's mind, Gambhir emphasised the importance of focusing on fitness and performance," explained Aswalkar. "His encouragement gave Surya the resolve to push harder and prove his worth."

Coach Aswalkar further highlighted Surya's unwavering commitment to the game. Despite the uncertainty and challenges, Suryakumar never lost hope. His mental strength and patience have been key to his success. "If my cricket is good, it will be visible, and it cannot be hidden," Aswalkar quoted Suryakumar. This belief in his abilities and the perseverance to keep pushing forward have set him apart from others.

Gautam Gambhir's impact on Suryakumar Yadav's career

Recalling a pivotal moment on how Gambhir's counsel changed the course for Surya. "After a heartfelt conversation with Gambhir, Surya's determination to succeed soared. Within days, his name resonated across India's cricketing circles."

With Gambhir now appointed as the coach of the Indian team, Aswalkar believes this could further elevate Surya's career. "Gambhir's return to the cricketing arena, this time as India coach, could foster a deeper connection with Surya," he mused.

Coach Aswalkar believes that Surya has the potential to be the next captain of the Indian team. His leadership qualities, honed since his early days, and his ability to inspire and lead by example make him a strong contender for the role.

Asked if he sees Surya leading the national side under Gambhir's watch, Aswalkar remarked, "Surya and Gambhir share a unique bond forged on the grounds of dedication and hard work. With Gambhir potentially guiding the future of Indian cricket, Surya's journey is poised to scale new heights. I am sure, this jugalbandi (duet) will be beneficial for Surya and Indian cricket."

While the future of Indian cricket rests on the decision of the selectors and new head coach, the cricketing world waits in anticipation about who will be the new T20I captain. However, it can't be denied that the bond between Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir, rooted in mutual respect and shared ambition, could usher in a new chapter of success for Indian cricket.