Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav has broken his silence on Axar Patel being chosen as the vice-captain for the England T20I series ahead of Hardik Pandya. Pandya was the vice-captain during India's T20I series.
The Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee named Axar Patel as the vice-captain for the T20I series against England at home. The first T20I will be played at Eden Gardens on Monday.
The Indian T20I side has a good mix of young and experienced players. The likes of SKY, Hardik and Axar Patel have played international cricket for a long time now and are senior players within the T20I setup. Ahead of the five T20s against England, Hardik was removed as vice-captain and Axar was handed that responsibility. Meanwhile, there was no place for Surya in India's Champions Trophy squad.
Suryakumar Yadav Opens Up On Relationship With Hardik Pandya
Meanwhile, SKY has always maintained that he has shared a very good relationship with Hardik over time and that they have been good friends off the field.
"I still remember 2018 when I went back to Mumbai Indians. And till today, it's just the added responsibility which I have got,We have been good friends on and off the field. When we go back to franchise cricket, it (captaincy) shifts to him so I can relax a little bit. We know what we want going forward with the team" said the new Indian T20I skipper in the pre-match presser.
Suryakumar Yadav also shared his opinion on Axar Patel's elevation as the new T20I vice-captain for the series.
"Axar has been given that added responsibility. We saw what he did in 2024 T20 World Cup. He has been with the team for a very long time right now" SKY said on Axar.
The Indian T20I skipper added that Hardik Pandya is a part of the leadership group and that it's more about the collective leadership group rather than individual roles.
"But at the same time, Hardik is also a part of leading group. When we sit, we decide what we want to do in the game going forward and also on the field. He is always around. It's like we have a lot of captains on the ground," said Suryakumar.
Since becoming India's T20I skipper SKY has led India to T20I series wins over Australia, Bangladesh and South Africa and now eyeing a T20I series against England at home.
For More India vs England Updates
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- India vs England 1st T20i: Live Commentary
- India vs England 1st T2oi: Dream 11 Prediction
