Suryakumar Yadav, India’s current T20I captain, shared some of the most important things he took away from Rohit Sharma. After working with Rohit on the national team and in the IPL with the Mumbai Indians, Yadav said he has gained a lot of knowledge.

Yadav has now assumed control after India won the 2024 T20 World Cup in Barbados. He has incorporated many of Rohit’s teachings, but he has added his own twists.

“Sports are all about winning and losing. Everyone has worked hard. In response to a question about India’s humiliation at the hands of New Zealand, the Indian T20I captain said, “Sometimes you do well and sometimes you don’t.”

“I’ve learned from him (Rohit) that balance is key in life and that, even if you lose, your character shouldn’t alter after doing well. This is a characteristic that every athlete ought to possess,” Surya said.

He went into great detail to discuss several of the traits that Rohit Sharma has that make him an excellent leader, based on his observations of Rohit’s interactions with his teammates.

“A team’s performance in a given format is determined by its captain. I can’t help but notice him while I’m on the ground. His body language, his ability to remain composed, his treatment of his bowlers, and his communication with everyone both on and off the field. I am aware of his treatment of his players and his expectations of them,” he said.

Since he has been successful, I have followed that path as well. It goes without saying that I added my own spice (his own thoughts) to it. It’s been going well,” he said with a giggle.

In order to put the players at ease and get a sense of their personalities, Rohit has been known to spend time with them, particularly the younger groups. When discussing his leadership style, Surya takes a similar approach.

It is expected of a leader to spend a lot of time with his team members in order to foster a sense of ease. I attempt that with my guys as well. Little things done off the field have an impact on performance on the field; therefore, even when I’m not playing, I try to spend time with the guys and eat with them,” the Indian captain said.

He believes that getting the most out of athletes requires an understanding of their psychology.

“You must comprehend what is going on in their heads and in the world around them. Given their diverse skill sets, there must be a certain amount of comfort. I’m working to give children the freedom to express themselves, which is very essential.

“I listen intently to what they have to say and make an effort to spend a lot of time with them to learn who can support me in times of need and pressure,” he said in closing.