Gautam Gambhir and Rohit Sharma Back Suryakumar Yadav for New T20I Captaincy: Reports
In a significant development, Suryakumar Yadav, currently ranked as the 2nd best T20I batsman, is now positioned as the leading candidate for India's T20 captaincy. This shift comes amidst reports indicating a departure from earlier plans that favored Hardik Pandya to lead the side.
Following Rohit Sharma's retirement from T20Is after India's T20 World Cup triumph on June 29, the search for his successor continues with uncertainty. Shubman Gill led the team to a 4-1 victory in Zimbabwe, but the permanent replacement remains undecided.
Gautam Gambhir's coaching tenure begins with India's upcoming T20I against Sri Lanka, yet the team lacks a captain. Two prominent contenders for the role are Hardik Pandya and Suryakumar Yadav. Gambhir, though not explicitly endorsing Suryakumar, hinted at preferring a captain whose workload does not hinder their availability, possibly referencing Hardik's injury-prone career.
“Although Gambhir did not directly pitch for Surya in the call, he made it amply clear that he would want to work with a captain whose workload does not become a stumbling block. Agarkar was clear with his views,” a BCCI official stated, according to a report in Hindustan Times.
Both Suryakumar and Hardik played pivotal roles in India's T20 World Cup victory and have experience leading the team. The decision on who will lead India in the shortest format remains pending.
Gambhir's tenure extends until the end of 2027, encompassing five ICC events, including the T20 World Cup. While Rohit continues to lead in other formats, the urgency to appoint a new T20I captain is palpable.
The choice of captain will hinge on Gambhir's preference for compatibility and synergy with the coach, highlighting the critical coach-captain dynamic essential for the team's success.
What's Your Reaction?
