Suryakumar Yadav: India’s Best T20I Batter?
Suryakumar Yadav journey from making his international debut at 30 to becoming India’s T20I captain in just three years is truly inspiring. On the latest episode of Deep Point on Star Sports, experts Sanjay Manjrekar and Sanjay Bangar discussed his rise in cricket and his leadership potential.
SKY’s Evolution: From KKR to World No. 1
Sanjay Manjrekar believes that Suryakumar is India’s best T20I batter. He highlighted the significant transformation in Yadav’s game, saying, “Who would have predicted that he would go on to become the best T20I batter in the world?”
Earlier in his career, SKY relied on only a couple of shots, making him predictable. However, over time, he developed a 360-degree game. This adaptability helped him reach the top spot in T20I rankings, becoming the world’s No. 1 T20I batter.
The Secret Behind SKY’s Success
Sanjay Bangar credits Suryakumar’s success to his proactiveness, imagination, and adaptability. He explained, “It requires immense courage and the instinct to predict the ball’s trajectory even before it’s delivered.”
This unique ability to read bowlers and counter their plans makes him a nightmare for opponents. Unlike most 360-degree players, SKY can change his shot mid-play, reacting to the delivery in real time and punishing bowlers accordingly.
SKY as Captain: A New Era for India’s T20 Team
Many were surprised when Suryakumar Yadav replaced Hardik Pandya as captain, but Bangar believes he is the ideal choice for India’s new generation of T20 stars. He remarked, “After the retirements of Kohli, Rohit, and Jadeja, he is the best fit to lead this young squad.”
So far, under SKY’s captaincy, India has achieved 16 wins and only 4 losses in T20Is. Manjrekar agrees, calling him the perfect leader for the T20 setup, much like Bumrah is for Tests.
The Role of Coaching in SKY’s Leadership
Manjrekar stressed the importance of a strong coach-captain partnership for Suryakumar’s long-term success. He emphasized, “In T20Is, you need outside inputs. If he has a great coach working alongside him, he could be a great long-term leader.”
Moreover, he hopes SKY will influence team selection. He’s backing players like:
- Abhishek Sharma
- Sanju Samson
- Rinku Singh
- Varun Chakravarthy
Final Thoughts: The Future of T20I Leadership
Suryakumar Yadav has already proven himself as India’s best T20I batter. With a strong record as captain, he fits perfectly into India’s new era. With the right coaching and team selection power, SKY could lead India to T20 dominance.
Should SKY be India’s long-term T20I captain?