When was the last time Suryakumar Yadav captained India in T20Is?
The suspense of the next Indian T20I captain finally broke when Suryakumar Yadav was announced as the skipper for the Sri Lankan tour. Team India plays three T20Is and as many ODIs, starting July 27.
Suryakumar is not new to captaining India in T20Is, having performed the role at the end of last year against Australia at home and in South Africa. He boasts an impressive record as T20I captain with five wins in seven outings.
The 33-year-old had a day to remember the last time he led India in a T20I game against South Africa in Johannesburg on December 14, 2023. With the Men in Blue trailing the three-match series 0-1 entering the final game ( one no result), Surya scored a majestic 100 off 56 deliveries despite walking in at 29/2 in the third over.
During his stay, the swashbuckling batter smashed seven boundaries and eight maximums to propel India to a massive 201/7 in 20 overs. The bowlers ensured Surya's heroics were not wasted as they bowled the Proteas out for a paltry 95, resulting in a 106-run win for India.
The Mumbai-born cricketer boasts an incredible average of 42.85 at a strike rate of 164.83 in T20Is as captain.
Suryakumar was part of India's victorious 2024 T20 World Cup campaign with Rohit Sharma as skipper. He pulled off one of the most iconic catches in the last over of the finale against South Africa to dismiss David Miller and ensure an Indian victory.
Meanwhile, Rohit announced his retirement from the T20I format following India's triumph, leading to Suryakumar Yadav's appointment.
Suryakumar Yadav will lead a strong 15-member T20I squad against Sri Lanka
Suryakumar Yadav will lead a solid 15-member Indian T20I squad in the upcoming three-match series in Sri Lanka. Shubman Gill, who recently led the second-string Indian side to a 4-1 T20I series win in Zimbabwe, will be his deputy.
Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson will be the wicket-keeping options with Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, and Ravi Bishnoi manning the spin department. The seam attack will be led by T20 World Cup hero Arshdeep Singh with Mohammad Siraj and Khaleel Ahmed providing able support.
Hardik Pandya, who captained the T20I side following the 2022 T20 World Cup until his injury in the 2023 ODI World Cup is part of the squad for the Sri Lankan series.
Indian T20I Squad for Sri Lankan tour: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), 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 Mohammad Siraj.