With the selection of Suryakumar as Hardik Pandya’s replacement for the series against Sri Lanka, the Indian selectors made some significant adjustments to the country’s white-ball lineup.
Suryakumar, India’s T20 batting prodigy, said on Wednesday that being named vice-captain of the national team “seems like a dream” and that he will continue to play his natural game unencumbered by the additional responsibility. By giving Hardik Pandya the T20I captaincy reins and selecting Suryakumar to serve as his stand-in for the series against Sri Lanka, which gets underway in Mumbai on January 3 of next year, the Indian selectors made some significant adjustments to the country’s white-ball.
“Vice-captainship was not anticipated. I can only assume it’s some sort of compensation for the way I’ve played this year. It feels good, and I’m eager to get started “After day two of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy match against Saurashtra, Surya told media this.
After receiving the squad roster from his father, Surya’s initial response was complete shock. “I learned about it through my dad, who is constantly using social media. He sent me the list along with the brief note, “Don’t take any pressure and enjoy your batting,” in addition to the list.
“For a moment, I closed my eyes and asked myself, ‘is this a dream?’ It’s a great feeling,” he added.
Surya responded, “I always had responsibility and pressure. I don’t know if the additional obligation will put him under pressure. I never carry any additional baggage and always have fun playing my game.
“It’s simple. I keep (leave) all my thinking at the team hotel and the nets. Whenever I’m batting, I just go out there to enjoy my game.”
