Suryakumar Yadav reveals India’s best captain, picks top batters of all three formats

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Picking the best Indian captain is never an easy task, given the country’s rich cricketing legacy led by multiple legends. India’s current T20I skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, was asked the same question during a recent interview with News24, and his answers reflected both respect and humour.

When asked to name India’s best captain, Suryakumar didn’t hesitate much before revealing his choice. He went with one of India’s most successful skippers, Rohit Sharma.

“Look, I have played most of my cricket under Rohit Sharma, so Rohit Sharma,” said Suryakumar.

Surya’s response didn’t come as a surprise, considering the tremendous success India has achieved under Rohit’s leadership in recent years. Rohit has led India in 142 matches across formats, winning 103 of them—a staggering record that includes victories in both the 2024 T20 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy. His calm demeanour and tactical sharpness have often drawn comparisons with some of the finest leaders in world cricket. Suryakumar’s admiration for his skipper clearly reflects the strong bond and trust they share in the dressing room.

The conversation then shifted toward identifying the best batters across formats, where Suryakumar offered a well-balanced view. He went with Sachin Tendulkar as best Test batter and when it comes to ODIs, he offered a unique point of view, including both Virat Kohli and Rohit.

“Test cricket, Sachin Tendulkar sir. ODI cricket, 50% Rohit Sharma, 50% Virat Kohli,” he remarked.

His choices highlight the legacy of India’s batting greats—Tendulkar’s technical perfection in the longest format, Kohli’s unmatched consistency in 50-over cricket, and Rohit’s explosive yet composed approach as an opener.

When it came to T20 cricket, Surya found himself in a tricky spot. He initially hesitated before the interviewer suggested he should name himself. With a laugh, Suryakumar responded, “T20 will actually be a little more difficult. No one praises themselves; they can’t do it themselves. If you’re saying this, you’re copying and pasting Suryakumar Yadav.”

Also READ: Suryakumar Yadav regrets not playing under MS Dhoni, reveals how Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma differ as captains

When asked to name India’s best bowler, Suryakumar instantly picked Jasprit Bumrah, calling him a nightmare in the nets.

“India’s best bowler… I think Jasprit Bumrah. I don’t play him in the nets. I love my bat and my feet. I don’t play him. I mean, I’m playing now. I’ve been watching him for so many years,” said Surya said with a grin.

Bumrah’s ability to deliver yorkers with pinpoint precision and his performances in clutch moments have earned him global acclaim. Surya’s comment humorously underlined how even his own teammates find Bumrah’s pace and accuracy daunting. When it came to spin, Suryakumar went with Kuldeep Yadav, acknowledging his recent resurgence and consistency.

Surya will soon be seen leading India in yet another exciting assignment as the T20I series against Australia begins on October 29 in Canberra. The five-match series will run until November 8, with the final clash scheduled in Brisbane.

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