Suryakumar Yadav on losing T20I captaincy to Shubman Gill: 'Won't lie everyone feels that fear, but...'

Suryakumar Yadav on losing T20I captaincy to Shubman Gill (BCCI Photo)

Shubman Gill's stature in Indian cricket has witnessed a massive rise. Soon after Rohit Sharma's announcement of retirement from Test, the 26-year-old was appointed his successor. While many had reservations around him leading the side in the red-ball format, Gill allowed his bat to give a response. He led the side from front and shattered multiple records during the course of the five Tests in England and eventually finished as the leading-run scorer from the series.

A few weeks ago he was elevated as the ODI skipper with the management focused on the next edition of the 50-over World Cup, which will be played two years later in South Africa.

With Gill now leading the team in two formats and the management showing great faith on the youngster, it is understandable that he'll be the leading candidate to replace Suryakumar Yadav in T20Is when the time comes. Suryakumar in his recent appearance on Express Adda by Indian Express was asked about feeling the pressure of losing the captaincy to Gill right behind him. The current T20I captain was honest in expressing what it feels like to be in that position.

"I am very happy for him that he has become captain in two formats. He has done really well. I won't lie, everyone feels that fear. But, it is the kind of fear that keeps you motivated,” he said.

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Suryakumar also shed light on his relation with Gill and explained how the youngster motivates him to excel further. “The camaraderie between me and him 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,” he said.

The ODI series against Australia, which starts from Sunday, will be Gill's first assignment as captain. He would hope for a similar start as Test. Meanwhile, Rohit and Virat Kohli, the two former captains, are also part of the squad. However, they will only play as players with no burden of leadership responsibility on either.