Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian cricketer known for his fearless style on the field, has made a candid admission. Despite his confident persona, the T20I captain revealed that he sometimes feels anxious about losing his captaincy in India’s T20 setup.
This surprising confession sheds light on the emotional pressure that comes with leading one of the world’s most competitive cricket teams.
Shubman Gill’s Rise Fuels Captaincy Anxiety
While Suryakumar remains calm under pressure, his recent remarks show a rare side of self-doubt. The anxiety, he admits, stems from the rapid rise of teammate Shubman Gill, who has been taking charge of India’s Test and ODI sides.
Shubman Gill has long been considered one of India’s next-generation leaders. His impressive stint as Gujarat Titans’ IPL-winning captain and subsequent Test captaincy after Rohit Sharma’s retirement have solidified his leadership credentials.
Recently, Gill was also appointed ODI captain with the 2027 World Cup in mind a move signalling India’s intent to create a single leadership structure across formats.
Suryakumar on His Equation with Shubman
Suryakumar addressed the growing speculation around this dynamic. “To be honest, I’m really chuffed to bits for the lad that he’s become the captain in two formats already. I won’t lie, we all feel that fear, but it’s the kind that keeps you going,” he said.
For now, Shubman Gill serves as vice-captain in the T20I setup under Suryakumar. Both share mutual respect and camaraderie on and off the field, which Suryakumar believes strengthens the team.
Pressure and Leadership Challenges
Having led India to an Asia Cup victory, Suryakumar’s leadership has been widely appreciated for being relaxed, open, and player-friendly. However, with his recent dip in batting form, questions are being raised about whether the weight of captaincy is affecting his performance.
Still, he remains optimistic. “We get on fantastically well both on and off the field, and the respect between us is genuine,” he added. His focus remains on contributing to the team’s success and using competition as motivation rather than intimidation.
A Healthy Rivalry That Benefits India
The competition between Suryakumar and Gill reflects the evolving environment within Indian cricket. With Gill already leading in two formats, every T20 series now becomes a fresh test for Suryakumar to reaffirm his position.
Instead of feeling threatened, Suryakumar views Gill’s rise as a chance to push his own limits. His honest approach highlights how modern players deal with leadership transitions with maturity, respect, and teamwork.
Team India’s Multi-Leader Strategy
The Indian team management’s strategy of nurturing multiple leaders is proving wise. It ensures long-term stability and gives emerging players leadership exposure early in their careers.
For now, Suryakumar Yadav continues as India’s T20I captain and will lead the side in the upcoming series against Australia. His goal is to regain form and guide India to victory in the 2026 T20 World Cup at home.
As for Shubman Gill, his leadership journey has only just begun. Together, the two represent a perfect mix of experience and youthful energy a combination that could define the next era of Indian cricket.
