'I won't lie, everyone feels that fear' - Suryakumar Yadav breaks silence on losing T20I captaincy to Shubman Gill

Published - 18 Oct 2025, 18:25 IST | Updated - 18 Oct 2025, 18:54 IST

Following Shubman Gill taking over both Test and ODI captaincy, questions about the future of Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy in T20Is have grabbed huge attention. With Gill leading in both formats and recently being named vice-captain of the T20I team, speculation about him taking over the shortest format has increased. However, Suryakumar has admitted that while he feels the fear of losing the role.

Ever since Ajit Agarkar hinted that India might move towards having one captain across all three formats, the leadership structure within the team has been undergoing a transition. The 26-year-old has already been handed the reins in Tests and ODIs, replacing Rohit Sharma in both formats. His success in red-ball cricket, drawing a series in England and clinching a 2-0 sweep over the West Indies, has made him the face of India’s next generation of leaders.

Now, with the ODI captaincy officially transferred and Gill serving as vice-captain in T20Is, the picture has become clear about the selectors looking at him as India’s all-format captain. Meanwhile, Suryakumar, who took over the T20I captaincy after India’s T20 World Cup 2024, broke his silence on this topic.

"I won't lie, everyone feels that fear. But, it is the kind of fear that keeps you motivated. If I was someone who got affected by things like these and thought so much about it, I wouldn't have played my first ball in international cricket the way I did. So I have left that fear behind a long time back. I believe if I am working hard on myself, following things that have to be followed, working very hard and being honest to myself, the rest will be taken care of," Suryakumar said, speaking at Express Adda.

🚨🎥 - Surya Kumar Yadav on fear of losing his T20I captaincy to Shubman Gill. 🚨

Wouldn't shy away from taking advice from them: Gill

Despite his short stint as captain, he’s already led India to the Asia Cup 2025 win. Yet, with Gill leading the Gujarat Titans in the IPL and being seen as a long-term prospect, it has naturally put pressure on his position. Notably, he also praised Gill for his maturity and leadership qualities.

"I am very happy for him that he has become captain in two formats. The camaraderie between me and him (Gill) is amazing off the field and on it. I know what kind of player and human he is. So it just motivates me to do well but I am happy for him," Suryakumar added.