How Suryakumar Yadav won captaincy race against Hardik Pandya? Report reveals players’ trust played key role; Know more

Senior India players will return to action for the first time since their T20 World Cup triumph for a multi-format tour of Sri Lanka later this month. The Men in Blue are gearing up for a three-match T20I and ODI series under the guidance of Gautam Gambhir. Meanwhile, the squad announcement became the subject of debate as it included some unexpected decisions.

After the retirement of Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja, India are all set to start a new chapter in the shorter format of the game. Hardik Pandya, Rohit's deputy in the 2024 T20 World Cup, was expected to lead the team in the format but surprisingly, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) handed over the baton to Suryakumar Yadav.

It is noteworthy that Pandya is not even the vice-captain of the revamped side as Shubman Gill will assist SKY in the upcoming series. It is not certain why the star all-rounder was not promoted, but it is speculated that his fitness issues may be the reason. Meanwhile, the latest report in the Indian Express claimed that the board decided in accordance with players’ trust.

Also Read: ‘Seems like Gill is the heir apparent’ – Aakash Chopra not impressed with Shubman Gill's appointment as vice-captain for Sri Lanka tour

According to the report, the BCCI has received feedback from other players that they trust Suryakumar over Pandya and are more comfortable with the former. Also, the Mumbai cricketer is best suited to the management's long-term plans. It is learned that the selection meeting lasted for several hours and there were heated arguments and differences of opinion.

Rohit Sharma's influence on Suryakumar Yadav 

The management is also said to be impressed with Surya's man-management skills. It was reported that the 33-year-old tried to convince Ishan Kishan to stay back when the keeper-batter decided to leave the Indian camp midway through the South Africa tour last year. There is also widespread talk that his communication style is similar to that of Rohit Sharma, which makes the players more comfortable on and off the field.

Also Read: ‘Jab mujhe rona bhi tha…’ - Fans recall Hardik Pandya’s heart-wrenching World Cup winning speech after cricketer’s split with Natasa Stankovic

Suryakumar is no stranger to captaincy. Earlier this year, he led India to a 4-1 T20I series win over Australia and a 1-1 series draw against South Africa. Meanwhile, it is noteworthy that Surya played under Pandya for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season.