Indian cricketer Axar Patel supports Suryakumar Yadav’s new role as captain of India’s T20 team, describing him as a captain who understands bowlers well. Suryakumar Yadav, often known as SKY, took over as T20 captain after Rohit Sharma retired from this format following India’s win in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Axar has expressed his backing for the new captain and talked about his positive experiences with him. He also mentioned that he plans to discuss his role in the team with the new coach, Gautam Gambhir.
In an interview with ESPNCricinfo, Axar explained, “I believe Suryakumar Yadav is a captain who listens to the bowlers. He sets the field according to what the bowlers want. This was the case with me as well. I don’t expect many changes.”
“Now, by playing under his leadership, we’ll learn more about his way of thinking. It’s not fair to judge how someone leads based on just one trip. The more we play together, the more we’ll understand his leadership style,” Axar added.
Apart from his leadership skills, Axar also complimented SKY’s relaxed attitude, which might be similar to Rohit’s own.
“Surya is a carefree guy. He makes the environment fun and enjoyable, enjoys doing impressions and other entertaining things. I know he’ll keep the mood light,” Axar said.
Axar has been selected for India’s team for both the T20 and ODI matches during the upcoming trip to Sri Lanka, which will be the first series with new head coach Gambhir. Axar will be competing with Washington Sundar for the position of bowling all-rounder in the team, as Sundar performed well in the recent T20 matches in Zimbabwe.
Axar mentioned that he plans to discuss his role in the Indian team with Gambhir.
“With Gautam bhai, yes, we are going to Sri Lanka, there will be meetings, we will share some ideas and after that I will understand exactly what my role is and what he thinks. I will have more clarity on that only after that,” said Axar.
India will play 3 T20 matches and 3 ODI matches against Sri Lanka, with the tour beginning on Saturday, July 27.
