Former India national cricket team all -rounder Irfan Pathan has shared his views on the talks that captain Suryakumar Yadav is feeling unsafe and uncomfortable with the return of Shubman Gill in the T20I setup.
Irfan Pathan said that Suryakumar Yadav would not be under any pressure as Shubman Gill as the vice-captain of T20I would have been appointed with the consent of the skipper.
Shubman Gill is in queue to convert Suryakumar Yadav into T20I captain
Shubman Gill has officially made its way into the Indian T20I team for the Asia Cup 2025, and is also as a vice-captain, which guarantees a place in the XI playing him.
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According to several reports, Suryakumar’s position as India’s T20I captain is in danger, with Gill’s return, and he can be dismissed later as soon as possible.
BCCI is keen for Groom Gill as the next T20I captain as Suryakumar Yadav will soon be 35, and the test captain was recognized as the most qualified candidate for the job after a long discussion.
In addition, the board has sent a clear message to Suryakumar Yadav with the appointment of Gill that he needs to pursue his game as he last scored fifty T20I in October 2024, and since then, his number has been very poor in T20I cricket.
This also means that Surya knows about the big picture – Irfan Pathan
Talking about the position of Suryakumar Yadav-Shaubman Gill, Irfan Pathan said that the current India T20I captain knows what is happening within the setup.
“Shubman was the vice-captain, and then he started playing Test cricket and got busy. The decision to appoint Shubman Gill as vice-captains would not have been without Surya’s consent. He was certainly approved.
“This also means that Surya knows about a big picture. As much as I know him, he is now 34 years old and understands that his responsibility is just beyond performing on the field – he has to take care of the team and also help in increasing leadership within it. I believe that he has started doing so.”
I do not believe that there is any insecurity in his mind – Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan further said that Suryakumar Yadav is a mature leader and no insecurity will be in his mind because he understands how Gill’s T20I comeback can benefit India.
“Bringing Shubman Gill as the vice-captain-while some may imagine that it puts pressure on Surya-is a step in the world that benefits Indian cricket in a long time. It also shows Surya’s maturity as a leader, which gives her respect in the cricketing community.
“I really believe that he is very aware of the situation. What is happening right now should not put any pressure on him. We have seen everyone what kind of cricketer he is in T20. So I do not believe that there is any insecurity in his mind. If anything, this development will only strengthen him as a leader,” he said.
Also read: ‘Cheteshwar Pujara protected Virat Kohli …. Shubman Gill does not want Gill …’: England Legend’s bold statement
