A strong partnership between India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir is shaping up to be one of the biggest reasons behind the team’s historic T20 World Cup 2026 win on home soil. Suryakumar Yadav recalled his first selection meeting with Gautam Gambhir after winning the title.
After Rahul Dravid stepped down as India’s head coach across all formats following the 2024 T20 World Cup win, Gambhir took over the reins, while Suryakumar was made the T20I captain. Their partnership made the T20I team effective both home and away.
Suryakumar Yadav talks about first selection meeting with Gautam Gambhir
Recently, Suryakumar shared how easily he and Gautam Gambhir understand each other when it comes to teaming up. The stylish batsman revealed that when both of them sat together to select the team for the first time after taking charge, they had similar ideas about the team.
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The captain said that this made everything easier and the conversations mostly focused on improving the team, planning for future tournaments and creating a positive environment inside the team.
“Out of the 15 names suggested by both of us, 14 were common. It means the thinking was the same. When the goals are clear, there is no argument, only discussion,” Suryakumar Yadav was quoted as saying by PTI.
India has not lost any T20 series yet under the leadership of Gambhir and Suryakumar. The Indian captain also revealed that he considers Gambhir like an elder brother, saying, “I still call him ‘Gauti Bhai’.” It is a relationship like younger brother and elder brother.”
There is about 70-75 percent reaction in batting: Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav is known across the world for his fearless and creative batting style. His ability to play shots in every direction makes him one of the most dangerous batsmen in T20 cricket.
“I think around 70-75 per cent of batting is reaction. The remaining 25 per cent is instinct – what you decide to do at that moment. Once you enter the field, you are almost on autopilot mode. You try to bat with the rhythm and as per the situation,” the right-handed batsman said.
Interestingly, Suryakumar’s shot-making caught worldwide attention. As a young boy, he used to spend hours playing rubber-ball cricket in small streets and fields. The uneven boundaries and tight spaces forced him to find new ways to score runs and now, fans are loving his hitting.
Surya reveals his fearless batting mentality
Although his approach often looks risky, Suryakumar believes it is about remaining brave rather than being reckless. He said that in the modern game players sometimes have to take bold chances, and players who are willing to take smart risks when the situation demands it stand a big chance.
Suryakumar said, “There is a very thin line between being courageous and being reckless. I try to remain courageous. But if the situation demands a high-risk shot, you have to take it. High rewards often require high-risk decisions.”
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