Suryakumar Yadav admits to having 'fear of losing T20I captaincy' amid Shubman Gill's rise: 'I won't lie'

With India’s preference to have one captain across all formats, Gill was also introduced into the T20I team as vice-captain, a controversial decision but one made with an eye on him taking over leadership in that squad as well. Currently, he plays under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav – but the Mumbai Indians batter admitted that this adds the weight of pressure, although the kind which spurs him on to keep performing.

Asked about feeling the pressure of Shubman Gill right behind him, Suryakumar was honest about what it feels like to be in that position. "I am very happy for him that he has become captain in two formats,” said the T20 captain to Indian Express.

“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 explained further, SKY is captain for India despite not leading his domestic or IPL franchises, but has led India to Asia Cup victory as skipper.

Will SKY's poor Asia Cup with bat cause an issue?

However, his batting on the international stage has taken a dip, and some have wondered whether the captaincy has played a role in increasing the pressure on him. Suryakumar, however, remained motivated, and doesn’t feel too much concern about potentially losing that responsibility to Gill.

“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 explained further.

For the time being, Suryakumar continues to hold on to the reins of the Indian T20I captaincy, and will lead them in the upcoming series in Australia. His eyes will be on next year’s home T20 World Cup, but India will certainly want Gill to take over that responsibility sooner rather than later as well.

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