‘I Was Shocked To See Him as Captain’; What Sanjay Bangar Said on SKY's Elevation as Captain Ahead of Hardik
January 30, 2025: Suryakumar Yadav’s rise to becoming India’s T20I captain has been a journey filled with surprises, skill, and adaptability. For former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar, the decision to elevate Surya as captain following the team’s World Cup success came as a shock. However, he now believes the Mumbai batter is the ideal leader for India’s revamped squad.
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“It was a surprise when Surya was named captain. Until that point, Hardik Pandya seemed to be the captain-designate,” Bangar shared on Star Sports’ Deep Point. Despite the initial surprise, Bangar acknowledged Surya’s transition into leadership has been seamless.
After senior players like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja retired, Surya became the leader of a young and dynamic squad. “His man-management skills stand out. It’s early days, but he seems like the perfect leader for this group,” Bangar remarked.
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With a remarkable T20I record of 16 wins and just four losses as captain, Suryakumar has cemented his place as a leader who can inspire and guide. Former cricketer Sanjay Manjrekar added, “He’s by far the best player in this T20I side. His temperament, imagination, and adaptability are his defining traits.”
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Bangar praised Surya’s unique ability to adapt mid-delivery. “His imagination and courage set him apart. During the Asia Cup, we analyzed how he anticipates bowlers’ adjustments and has an alternate plan ready. It’s this 360-degree batting combined with adaptability that makes him special,” Bangar said.
Manjrekar expressed excitement for Surya’s long-term leadership and the opportunities it brings for other players. “With strong coaching support, Surya can be a great leader. I hope to see him influence team selection, bringing players like Abhishek Sharma, Rinku Singh, Sanju Samson, and Varun Chakravarthy into the fold,” he said.
Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy marks a new chapter in Indian cricket, one that promises innovation, adaptability, and a leader capable of taking the team to new heights.
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