India’s new T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has expressed his excitement about working with newly appointed head coach Gautam Gambhir. Ahead of the first T20I against Sri Lanka, Surya opened up about his role as the captain.
In a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), Suryakumar spoke about how his relationship with Gambhir has strengthened over the years.
“My relationship (with Gambhir) is very special because when I went to IPL 2014, I played under him for KKR. It was special because I got the opportunity to play for that franchise. My relationship is still strong with him. But he knows how I work, what my mindset is when I come to practice with him, and how he tries to work. As a coach, it is all about that lovely relationship we have and I am very excited to see how it goes forward,” said Suryakumar.
Suryakumar in press conference
Later in the press conference for IND vs SL 1st T20I, he shared more about his relationship with Gambhir. Surya said, “I have always had a special bond with Gautam Gambhir, since 2014. We understand each other’s body language.”
The Indian team is set to embark on a tour of Sri Lanka, with the first T20I scheduled for Saturday. Suryakumar will lead the side in the shortest format, while Shubman Gill will be the vice-captain.
The IPL bond
The duo of Surya and GG previously shared a bond during their time together at the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL back in 2014.
Gambhir, who took over as head coach earlier this month, is eager to make his mark on the team. His appointment comes on the heels of India’s T20 World Cup triumph under Rahul Dravid.
This is Gambhir’s first assignment as head coach after being appointed to the position earlier in July, following Rahul Dravid vacating the post after the ICC T20 World Cup win in the West Indies.
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