WATCH: Suryakumar Yadav and Arshdeep Singh try to hilariously interact in Bengali ahead of 1st T20I vs England

34-year-old Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav is set to lead his side in the first T20I against England on Wednesday. Eden Gardens in Kolkata, where Yadav spent a few seasons with KKR, is set host the massive encounter. India’s skipper spoke on BCCI’s official channel before the game. 

Yadav was seen answering questions as Arshdeep Singh came into the fray. Both players were seen greeting each other in Bengali as Yadav said that the fast-bowler was picking up on the language and learning well. Arshdeep Singh just needs five wickets to become the first Indian bowler to complete 100 wickets in T20I format. 

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙀𝙙𝙚𝙣 𝙂𝙖𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 🏟️

ft. Captain Suryakumar Yadav 😎#TeamIndia | #INDvENG | @surya_14kumar | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/lB1MJse70w

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 21, 2025

Speaking to BCCI, the Indian skipper said, “It’s a vintage-type feeling. It feels good when you come here. I still remember it was 2014 when I came to KKR for the first time. From then to now, obviously, I never thought that I would be leading India after 10–11 years.”

“But today to stand at this ground and think that I’m going to lead the team as it’s also a historic stadium. It’s a great feeling and I’m having fun thinking about it. It has been a beautiful journey. It feels so good to think,” Yadav further added

SKY reminisces about his association with KKR and Eden Gardens 

Suryakumar Yadav also said, “Whenever I sit in the room, I think that I used to come and play here 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 those four years. It was also a beautiful memory as I’ve learned a lot here. Gauti Bhai (Gautam Gambhir) was the captain at that time. I’ve played under him over here and learned a lot of tricks and trades. So I know this place really well and am very happy to be back here.”

Current England coach Brendon McCullum, meanwhile, has praised India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir. The duo spent time together during their association with KKR in the IPL. Gambhir is under massive pressure after the series loss to Australia recently. The 43-year-old is under the scanner and will want to improve performances in the white-ball format. 

During his chat with the media, McCullum said, “I have worked with Gautam Gambhir in the past and he is an outstanding leader. He is a strong leader of men and was successful whenever he led a side in the past. He is still new with the Indian team and there is no doubt that he will be able to get the best out of the players.”