Suryakumar Yadav Opens Up on Fear of Losing Captaincy to Shubman Gill
Suryakumar Yadav admits captaincy pressure from Gill but stays focused on leading India.
In a refreshingly honest revelation, Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I captain, has acknowledged the “fear” of losing his leadership role to the ascending Shubman Gill, who is widely regarded as the future of Indian cricket’s captaincy across formats. The 35-year-old, who led India to the Asia Cup 2025 title, described this fear as a driving force that fuels his motivation rather than a hindrance. “I won’t lie, everyone feels that fear. But, it is the kind of fear that keeps you motivated,” Suryakumar said, addressing the speculation surrounding Gill’s trajectory.
At 26, Gill has already been entrusted with captaincy in Test and ODI formats and serves as Suryakumar’s vice-captain in T20Is, positioning him as the likely successor once Suryakumar steps down. Despite this, Suryakumar emphasized their strong camaraderie, stating, “I am very happy for him that he has become captain in two formats. The camaraderie between me and him is amazing off the field and on it.”
Suryakumar, who earned the T20I captaincy following India’s T20 World Cup 2025 triumph, stressed that he refuses to let external pressures affect his performance. “If I was someone who got affected by things like these and thought so much about it, I wouldn’t have played my first ball in international cricket the way I did. So I have left that fear behind a long time back,” he asserted. He credited his resilience to hard work and self-honesty, adding, “If I am working hard on myself, following things that have to be followed, and being honest to myself, the rest will be taken care of.”
Also Read: Shubman Gill Matches Virat Kohli’s Record with Masterful Ton in Delhi
The former world No. 1 T20I batter, whose dynamic strokeplay has been a cornerstone of India’s white-ball success, is now gearing up to lead the team in a high-profile five-match T20I series against Australia, commencing October 29, 2025. His recent success in securing the Asia Cup title as captain underscores his leadership credentials, even as Gill’s rise signals a generational shift in Indian cricket.
Suryakumar’s candid admission highlights the delicate balance between competition and camaraderie at the pinnacle of the sport, offering a glimpse into the mindset of a leader navigating the pressures of a transitional era for Team India.
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