India head coach Gautam Gambhir has showered praise on T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, highlighting how the star batter’s leadership qualities have made a significant difference to the Indian team during the ongoing T20 World Cup. Speaking to broadcasters during India’s campaign, Gambhir emphasised that Suryakumar’s impact goes far beyond his batting brilliance.
“Surya has made my life a lot easier in this format,” Gambhir told Star Sports, underlining the trust he places in the skipper. While Suryakumar’s batting prowess and trademark 360-degree strokeplay are widely celebrated, Gambhir believes it is his calming presence and ability to relate to players that truly sets him apart as a leader.
“I think he is a phenomenal leader of men — not by what he does on the field or the kind of shots he plays. The way he talks to players, the way he relates to them, and how relaxed he is on the field makes a huge difference,” Gambhir said. According to the coach, Suryakumar’s composed demeanour allows the support staff to focus on strategy, knowing the dressing-room atmosphere is in safe hands.
Gambhir added that Suryakumar’s decision-making and team-first approach have ticked every box from a leadership perspective. “Surya the player can be kept aside, but Surya the leader has been outstanding. It’s a great thing when someone like him is leading the country because his heart is in the right place,” he noted.
The praise came shortly after Suryakumar produced one of his finest T20I innings to rescue India from trouble against the USA in their T20 World Cup opener in Mumbai. After India slumped to 77 for 6, Suryakumar played a composed and authoritative knock of 84 off 49 balls, guiding the team to a competitive total of 161 for 9.
Batting on a tricky Wankhede Stadium surface that did not favour free-flowing strokeplay, Suryakumar adapted brilliantly, using his full range to find gaps and maintain momentum. His innings featured 10 boundaries and four sixes, combining calculated risk with maturity under pressure.
Suryakumar’s leadership was evident on the field as well. He backed his frontline bowlers, resisted the temptation to rely on part-time options, and kept faith in his plans. The approach paid off as India restricted the USA to 132 for 8, sealing a hard-fought victory.
Since taking over the T20 captaincy from Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar has led India in 44 matches, winning 35 and losing just seven — a record that reinforces the confidence the team management has in him. As India continue their World Cup journey, the defending champions will look to sharpen their performances while relying on the calm leadership that has already impressed their head coach.
