“He has made my life a lot easier”

Head coach Gautam Gambhir made a massive statement on Team India star Suryakumar Yadav amid the T20 World Cup 2026. Suryakumar is leading the Men in Blue at the marquee event.

Gambhir praised the Indian skipper for his leadership skills and the way he manages the team. More than his individual abilities on the field, the head coach believed that his captaincy and connection with the players made things a lot easier for him.

“He has made my life a lot easier in this format. I think he is a phenomenal leader of men. Not by what he does on the field, not by the type of batter he is or the shots he has, all that you can keep it aside. But the way he relates to players, talks to players, spends time with players, how much he is relaxed on the field. Sometimes as a coach, you know that you can think of other things because he is going to keep the atmosphere calm, what any coach can dream of,” he said on JioStar.

Further, he added that Suryakumar has ticked every box as a leader. Gambhir also hailed his decision-making under pressure and reckoned that it was great to have someone like him leading the side.

“For me, I think Surya the player I can keep him aside, but Surya the leader has ticked every box, which has made my life a lot easier. It is a great thing when you have someone like him leading, because his heart is in the right place and he takes the right decisions, especially when things are under pressure.”

India began their T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a victory over the USA by 29 runs. They are set to play Namibia next on Thursday, February 12, in Delhi.

Suryakumar Yadav guided India to victory against the USA

Suryakumar Yadav led from the front in the game against the USA. Batting first, India were in trouble and under tremendous pressure after being reduced to 77/6. However, Surya stood tall and took the responsibility upon himself.

The skipper scored a stellar unbeaten half-century, digging the team out of troubled waters. He made 84* off just 49 balls with 10 fours and four maximums at a strike rate of 171.43.

The captain being in solid form right at the start of the tournament comes as a positive sign for India. They will aim to continue their winning run throughout the group stage.