Head coach Gautam Gambhir believes Suryakumar Yadav is the ideal leader for India’s T20 team, perfectly embodying the format’s adventurous spirit. Gambhir outlined his supportive role, focusing on providing fair advice to his captain based on his tactical insights, while underscoring Suryakumar’s ultimate authority.
The partnership between captain Suryakumar Yadav and coach Gambhir has proven potent since Gambhir took charge post-India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph. This dynamic duo has significantly boosted India’s batting aggression and led the team to consistent series victories, including the recent Men’s T20 Asia Cup title in the UAE. Their next assignment is a five-game T20I series in Australia, kicking off Wednesday at the Manuka Oval.
“Surya’s character as a person translates into his leadership,” Gambhir stated. “He’s a good human being, which is crucial for leadership. My job is to offer unbiased counsel derived from my understanding of the game. This team is his, and his natural flair for T20 cricket—all about freedom and expression—is evident. His demeanor positively influences the team environment, something he’s managed exceptionally well for the last year and a half.”
Gambhir emphasized the team’s fearless approach under Suryakumar’s captaincy, particularly when facing high-pressure situations. “Our initial agreement was clear: we wouldn’t be afraid to lose. My goal isn’t just success, but cultivating the most fearless team in the world. During critical moments, like the Asia Cup final, I assured the players that errors like dropped catches or mistimed shots are acceptable.”
He added, “Mistakes are part of being human. What matters is the internal team perspective. Suryakumar and I are aligned on never fearing mistakes. In crucial matches, our aggression and fearlessness must be amplified. Playing conservatively plays into the opponent’s hands. Our team’s talent will shine if we play without apprehension.”
Concerns about Suryakumar’s recent batting form are unfounded, according to Gambhir, who attributes any dips to the team’s aggressive strategy. “Suryakumar’s batting form isn’t a worry because we’ve embraced an ultra-aggressive style. This inherently means failures will occur. He could easily score a safe 40 off 30 balls, but we’ve prioritized this bold approach over individual safety. Abhishek Sharma is currently in fine form, a testament to our system. Suryakumar will regain his scoring touch and contribute as needed.”
Gambhir concluded by reiterating the team’s strategic priorities. “For us in T20s, the emphasis is on the brand of cricket we play, not just individual scores. Our aggressive strategy might lead to more failures, but the overall impact is what truly defines our success.”