Throwback to 2013 when Suryakumar Yadav captained India in Emerging Asia Cup
Several reports have claimed recently that Suryakumar Yadav could become India's next full-time T20I captain as they begin the post-Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli era in the shortest format. SKY could have his first assignment as a full-time T20I captain against Sri Lanka (via India Today).
Suryakumar has proved himself to be among the best T20 batters in the world. He also recently captained India in a couple of T20I series against Australia and South Africa. In seven matches as captain, SKY managed to win five and lose two. However, he had also captained India way back in 2013 in the Emerging Asia Cup, played at the under-23 level.
On that note, let's take a look at how Team India fared under Suryakumar Yadav in that tournament:
Suryakumar Yadav and co.'s performances at the Emerging Asia Cup 2013
India kickstarted their campaign with a thrilling win over Pakistan. Apart from Suryakumar Yadav, the team had several other future stars like KL Rahul, Axar Patel, and Jasprit Bumrah.
They were up against the Pakistan side that had the likes of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam. Chasing 192 to win, Unmukt Chand top-scored for India with 61 and some handy contributions from others meant that they won the game with three wickets in hand.
The next game against Nepal saw India flex their muscles with Suryakumar Yadav leading from the front with a sensational knock of 65 off just 39 balls. His blitz helped the Men in Blue post a competitive target for 268/5 and it proved too much for Nepal as they lost by 84 runs. India did stumble against Afghanistan in their next game, but that didn't stop them from making it to the semifinal.
India were bowled out for 208 in their semifinal against the UAE, but a strong bowling performance led by Axar Patel's four-wicket haul helped them bundle out the opposition for 162, setting up a blockbuster final with Pakistan.
India dominated Pakistan in the final
Pakistan didn't get any momentum in their innings as they were bowled out for 159. Baba Aparajith was the pick of the Indian bowlers with figures of 3/28, while Suryakumar Yadav also bagged impressive figures of 2/20 in his 10 overs.
In reply, India coasted to the target with nine wickets in hand and it was KL Rahul who stood out with a fantastic knock of 93*. The thumping win allowed India to lift the Emerging Asia Cup title under Suryakumar's leadership.