Suryakumar Yadav Reveals Selection Difference With Gautam Gambhir In India’s T20 Team
India’s T20 captain says 14 of 15 player picks matched with head coach, highlighting strong understanding in team planning.
New Delhi: Suryakumar Yadav, captain of India’s T20 World Cup-winning side, has spoken about his close coordination with head coach Gautam Gambhir, revealing that the two shared almost identical views while selecting the national T20 squad.
During a podcast interview with Press Trust of India (PTI), Suryakumar said that when he and Gambhir first sat down to discuss team composition, their thinking was nearly identical.
According to the skipper, 14 out of the 15 names suggested by both of them were the same, reflecting a strong understanding about the direction of the team.
He explained that when the objective is clear, disagreements rarely arise, adding that discussions about players are usually constructive rather than argumentative.
Suryakumar also described his personal rapport with Gambhir, noting that their relationship remains informal despite their professional roles. He said he continues to address the former India opener as “Gauti bhai,” reflecting a bond similar to that between an elder and younger brother.
Talking about his batting approach in the shortest format, the right-hander said T20 cricket largely depends on reaction and quick decision-making once a player steps onto the field.
The batter, widely known for his innovative 360-degree strokeplay, said a significant part of batting involves responding to match situations instinctively rather than relying entirely on pre-planned strategies.
He added that after entering the ground, players often function almost automatically, focusing on rhythm and adapting to the match context.
Suryakumar also credited his distinctive shot-making ability to the street and rubber-ball cricket he played growing up in Mumbai. He explained that uneven playing conditions and differently sized boundaries forced young players to improvise, shaping his unconventional style.
Addressing the perception that his aggressive batting carries high risk, Suryakumar said he always tries to maintain a balance between bravery and unnecessary risk.
He pointed out that there is a fine line between courageous shot selection and reckless play, and his aim is to remain on the positive side of that balance while still being ready to take calculated risks when the match situation demands it.
