Leading the Indian men’s cricket team comes with a weight that few in the sport truly understand. It is the weight of the nation. Nearly 1.4 billion cricket fans, each carrying hope, belief and expectation. And yet, in the midst of it all, Suryakumar Yadav shows no signs of being burdened by it.
Before The World Cup, the questions followed him closely. Would captaincy affect his batting? Would the responsibility take away the freedom that defines his game? These questions were not long in coming. The New Zealand series at home provided answers that were delivered with clarity and confidence.
Besides the runs, something else stood out. Through good days and bad, Suryakumar’s smile never wavered. It has become a silent symbol of how he sees leadership. Calm. OPEN. Grounded.
Different load, same pressure
A captain in Indian cricket has never been the same across eras. The responsibilities carried by Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma were arguably heavier. They led established teams, defined eras and were constantly judged by history.
But the pressure doesn’t go away just because the context is different. Every Indian captain feels it. Control. Opinions. Constantly evaluating every decision.
Suryakumar feels it too, though it doesn’t always show.
“There’s enough outside pressure. Oh. I didn’t say that.”
His response to this pressure lies in preparation and atmosphere.
“You see, there’s already so much going on on the floor. When we’re off the field. So I think when we’re on the field. We just want to be relaxed because I feel the preparation — what we do during practices. When we’re in the room, I think it sets the tone when you come on the floor.”
Once the game starts, it trusts what has already been done.
“Like I’ve always said, autopilot kicks in when you hit the ground running. You have to let your emotions flow and make the best call the team needs that day.”
Searching for peace in a rough format
T20 cricket leaves little room for error. It can be brutal on the bowler and unforgiving on the batsmen. Suryakumar accepts this reality but chooses not to fight it.
“So at the same time, and you know, this format is actually very rough on the bowlers. Sometimes on the batsmen. But you have to be relaxed. Keep them company in that moment. Relax them. Get their breath back. And just enjoy it.”
For him, leadership is often more about sharing moments than controlling them.
“You’re there as a group for 75-80 minutes on the ground. When you’re playing in the field. So I think it’s time to have fun on the ground. And then enjoy it.”
Home audience, more responsibility
India began their title defense of the 2026 FIFA World Cup T20 against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai. Playing at home brings energy and anticipation in equal measure.
Suryakumar had felt this connection before.
“You see what I said. Playing at home is always exciting. I felt it when we played the ODI World Cup in 2023. The crowds came in numbers. People talk when you travel to the airport.”
This support promotes motivation but also adds responsibility.
“So it’s a good thing. It keeps you motivated. But yes, it also brings a lot of responsibility. That you get to lead such a great side. That too in India. On home soil.”
The opening game at the Wankhede only adds to the feeling.
“We start at the Wankhede. So the lads are very excited. They will take the pitch tomorrow. And I’m sure there will be a lot of excitement there.”
The pressure is real. It is always for the Indian captain. But Suryakumar Yadav suits it in his own way. With confidence in preparation. With faith in people. And with a smile that never seemed to leave.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
February 6, 2026
