Gautam Gambhir, the head coach of the Indian T20I team, has lauded Suryakumar Yadav's leadership qualities, stating that Yadav brings more to the team than just his run-scoring ability. Gambhir emphasized that Yadav's calm demeanor and effective man-management skills have significantly eased the coaching process. According to Gambhir, Yadav's unique ability to connect with players on a personal level has been pivotal in creating a relaxed and harmonious environment within the team, which fosters better performance on the field.
Gambhir highlighted Yadav's effectiveness in high-pressure situations, noting his consistent poise and strategic decision-making during crucial moments. Yadav's calmness serves as an anchor, allowing players to feel secure and confident in their abilities during challenging games. As captain, Suryakumar Yadav has played a vital role in India's recent cricket campaigns. Gambhir pointed out that Yadav's leadership style is not just about leading from the front but also about empowering his teammates, which has been instrumental in India's competitive edge in T20 cricket.
"He is a phenomenal leader of men, not by what he does on the field," Gambhir said. "The kind of batter he is, the kind of shots he can play, all that for me is to one side. The way he relates with the players, talks to them, and spends time with them, how relaxed he is on the field". Gambhir added, "Sometimes as a coach, you know you can think about a lot of other things because you know that he is going to keep the atmosphere pretty much calm. What any coach can dream of. For me, I think, Surya the leader has ticked every box, which has made my life a lot easier".
Since taking over as captain, Suryakumar Yadav has led India to series wins, including a dominant performance at home against England and the Asia Cup 2025 title. Under his leadership, India has not lost a single T20I series. As a leader, he has also ushered in a new era of young, fearless cricketers, with players flourishing under his guidance. Suryakumar was first appointed as the captain of the Indian team in November 2023 and re-appointed in July 2024 after Rohit Sharma's retirement from T20Is.
Suryakumar Yadav has experience leading in the T20 format in domestic cricket, captaining Mumbai in 16 games and achieving a win percentage of 62.5. In the IPL, he has captained in only two matches. Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy record in T20Is is impressive. He is now India's third-most successful T20I captain in terms of win percentage, behind MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. Under his captaincy, India has not lost two consecutive T20Is.
Gautam Gambhir's praise came after India's T20 World Cup victory over the USA, where Suryakumar played a crucial role, scoring 84 off 49 balls. Suryakumar's leadership extends beyond his batting prowess; his ability to connect with teammates and maintain a relaxed environment has created a positive atmosphere. Gambhir emphasized that Suryakumar's heart is in the right place, and he makes the right decisions, especially under pressure.