Suryakumar Yadav reflects on T20I captaincy appointment – ‘Last few weeks have been nothing short of dream’

sanjeev

khelja|20-07-2024

Suryakumar Yadav penned a heartfelt note on his social media handle upon being appointed Team India's new T20I captain. Following the T20 World Cup win in the Americas, then-skipper Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the format, thus relinquishing his T20I captaincy.
And with Gautam Gambhir replacing Rahul Dravid as the new coach, the BCCI and the management decided to name Surya as the new captain until the next major assignment in India and Sri Lanka in 2026. Given all-rounder Hardik Pandya's injury-related past and that he was the vice-captain for the recently-concluded T20 WC, he was overlooked due to fitness concerns, as Gambhir wants a fully fit captain to lead India in the shortest format.   Taking to his Instagram handle, Suryakumar wrote, "Thank you so much for outpouring love, support and best wishes from you. Last few weeks have been nothing short of a dream and I am truly grateful. Playing for the country is the most special feeling that I will never be able to describe in words. This new role brings with it, a lot of responsibility, excitement and enthusiasm. I hope to keep receiving your support and blessings.♥️ All fame reaches God, God is great "    
Suryakumar had become the talking point of the T20 WC-winning campaign for his stunning catch to dismiss David Miller during the final, resulting in India beating South Africa and lifting their second T20 WC title. Though the ace India batter failed to score enough in the finale, that catch in the last over hogged all the limelight. New Team India ready for SL T20Is With the selection committee naming the T20I squad for the Sri Lanka series, SKY will lead the side, while Pandya, alongside Riyan Parag, Shivam Dube and Washington Sundar, is picked as the all-rounder. Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the openers, while Sanju Samson and Rishabh Pant are the keeper batters. Axar Patel retained his place in the absence of now-retired Ravindra Jadeja, while Rinku Singh will play as a specialist finisher. Mohammed Siraj will lead the bowling attack, with Arshdeep Singh and Khaleel Ahmed named alongside lone spinner Ravi Bishnoi. Here is Team India's squad for Sri Lanka T20Is - Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Shubman Gill (vice-captain), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed and Mohd. Siraj