India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has admitted feeling a moment of fear about losing his leadership role following the elevation of Shubman Gill. The speculation began when Gill was named India’s white-ball vice-captain, a clear signal from the BCCI that they view him as the logical successor to Rohit Sharma as India’s next all-format captain. Deep down, Suryakumar likely felt that his time as T20I skipper was potentially on borrowed time. This feeling intensified when, less than a year later, Gill became the Test captain, and then, earlier this month, the BCCI confirmed that Gill would replace Rohit as the ODI captain.
Suryakumar Yadav on fear of losing India's T20I captaincy
Suryakumar openly admitted that, for a moment, the news sparked fear that he could be sacked as T20I captain before the 2026 T20 World Cup. However, rather than letting the uncertainty weigh him down, he made the proactive choice to use the situation as a source of motivation to perform even better. Furthermore, the explosive batter added that the good relationship he shares with Gill, both on and off the field, is an important factor that helps him manage the situation.
“I won’t lie; everyone feels that fear. But it is the kind of fear that makes you feel motivated. The camaraderie between him (Shubman Gill) and me is amazing off the field and on it. I know what kind of player and human he is. So, it motivates me to do well. But I am very happy for him that he has become captain in two formats. He has done really well,” Suryakumar said on Express Adda.
'I believe if I am working hard on myself, being honest with myself'
Suryakumar is a player who has always thrived under pressure. He only made his international debut after the age of 30 and famously hit his very first delivery for six, facing a formidable bowler in Jofra Archer. Since he didn't succumb to pressure or fear at that career-defining moment, it is highly unlikely that he will let those emotions affect his performance or mindset now.
“If I were so scared, then I wouldn’t have played my first ball in international cricket the way I did. So, I left that fear behind a long time back. I believe if I am working hard on myself, being honest with myself. Then the rest of everything will be taken care of,” he concluded.
The 35-year-old recently led India to Asia Cup 2025 title and have now set his sights on the upcoming T20I series against Australia, which is slated to start from October 29.