Suryakumar Yadav eyes Asia Cup glory in first big test as India's T20I captain

As the seventeenth edition of the Asia Cup kicks off on Tuesday, Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav looks relaxed and confident as he prepares to lead the team in his first major tournament as skipper. Since taking charge of India’s T20 side after Rohit Sharma retired from the format following the 2024 T20 World Cup win, the swashbuckling ICC sixth-ranked batter has enjoyed a dream start to his captaincy journey.

Under his leadership, India has not lost a single bilateral series so far and aims for a record ninth title victory in the continental tournament.

"Everything is going well now. Why create unnecessary issues? We will keep following what we have been doing in the past bilateral series. We will continue what we’ve been doing in the past. If something is working positively, that means we are moving in the right direction,” Yadav said in the captain’s press conference.

He officially became India’s T20 captain during the three-match series against Sri Lanka, where India dominated and secured a 3-0 whitewash. The team then went on to beat Bangladesh 3-0, followed by a 3-1 win against South Africa and a convincing 4-1 series victory over England at home.

This upcoming tournament, however, will be his biggest test as he not only leads India in the continental tournament but also eyes the perfect balance for the team, which will be in quest to defend their T20 World title next year at home.

Advantage of having batters who can bowl: Suryakumar Yadav

The 34-year-old also stressed the importance of flexibility within the squad and values players who can contribute in multiple facets.

"It is always an advantage if a top or a middle-order batter gives you an extra over in this format. It’s always good for the captain and we might need anyone on a given day. Say, if the surface is slow, and we need a bowler who can spin, it’s always good to have players who could roll their arms and contribute with a couple of overs,” he added.

The side has the advantage of having batters who can chip in with the ball if the situation demands. Opener Abhishek Sharma can roll his arm over with spin, while Tilak Verma offers another spin option. Lower down the order, the team has the firepower of Axar Patel and Hardik Pandya, both capable of bowling a full quota of four overs and clearing the ropes at will. Adding more depth, Shivam Dube is also in the mix, giving India plenty of options to choose from.