Axar Patel Praises New T20I Captain Suryakumar Yadav

India’s all-rounder Axar Patel has showered praise on the new T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, calling him a ‘bowlers’ captain’ who gives his players the freedom to execute their strategies. This commendation came right after India’s impressive 43-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first match of their T20I series, held at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

In a post-match press conference, Axar shared his experiences playing under Suryakumar’s captaincy during the recent series against Australia, where India emerged victorious. He mentioned how Yadav’s supportive nature boosts the bowlers’ confidence. “He gives you a free hand to decide your plan. Even if you get hit for runs, he comes to you and suggests it was a good ball, which helps in maintaining a strong bond with the team,” Axar explained.

During the game against Sri Lanka, Yadav’s tactical smartness was clear, especially in the challenging first few overs. Axar noted that Suryakumar was actively engaging with the bowlers to strategize on how to take wickets, even when the team faced some runs early on.

India’s batting order was also a hot topic. Instead of using Rishabh Pant at the top of the lineup, Suryakumar opted for himself at the number three position, emphasizing a diverse left-right batting combination. “Our team has four left-handed and four right-handed batsmen. This combination makes it difficult for bowlers to maintain their focus,” Axar elaborated.

Axar also touched upon the new coaching staff, led by Gautam Gambhir. He reassured that despite the changes, the overall atmosphere and approach of the team would stay consistent. “I’ve played for a decade and have worked with various coaches and captains. The essence of the team remains unchanged, and that’s what helps us thrive,» he stated.