The Indian national cricket team is going through a change in mentality and this change is not because of Rohit Sharma. Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav has credited head coach Gautam Gambhir for changing the team’s mentality on the field.
Suryakumar Yadav praised Gautam Gambhir’s influence
In the past, many players thought about their individual numbers, venues and personal records during matches, sometimes even more than the match situation. But now, that mindset has changed.
Suryakumar revealed that ever since Gambhir joined the Indian team, the focus has shifted from individual records and milestones. The captain said the message from the leadership group is simple: play as a team, play fearless cricket and give your best without worrying about individual achievements.
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Personal milestones are no longer a priority
The captain believes that this mentality has helped Indian cricket move in the right direction, as the team now plays with a clear goal, which is to win together. And the results are surprising, as they have not lost a single T20I series so far under Gambhir’s leadership.
Suryakumar Yadav said at the ICC T20 World Cup captain’s press conference: “Ever since Gautam Gambhir came, we have moved away from individual milestones. We want to play it as a team game. Play fearless cricket and give our best. This is the Indian mentality now.”
This change is visible on the field, as Suryakumar points out how Ishan Kishan finished with a big shot instead of slowing down to reach his century in the final T20I against New Zealand.
‘Gautam Gambhir has instilled in you the habit of keeping aside your personal goals’
Even with this strong team-first approach, the atmosphere in the Indian dressing room is very comfortable and happy, with the captain sharing that the players love getting together, going out for movies, having dinners and spending time as a group.
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Suryakumar said, “It is the same dressing room. It has been an amazing journey. They have inculcated in you the habit of keeping your personal goals aside, as we saw when Ishan Kishan hit a six to score 100 in the last game. The atmosphere in the dressing room is very light, going out for movies and dinner.”
to be continued…
