Suryakumar Yadav, the Indian T20 skipper, draws heavily from Rohit Sharma’s leadership style, which pursues the understanding of the mindset of the players, team spirit and keeping cool no matter the outcome of the game. Suryakumar Yadav, who has recently succeeded Rohit in leadership post the successful T20 World Cup, has been able to model himself to Rohit’s new brand of captaincy.
On the eve of the first T20I against South Africa, while talking about the last 0-3 win against New Zealand, he stated “Winning and losing is part and parcel of sports. All of us work hard, and sometimes it works and sometimes it does not.” He accepted that this philosophy also plays a role in upholding values. He went on to say, “He told me, ‘no matter what is the result, I do not change my character. This is a human quality every player must possess.’”
To Suryakumar Yadav, the relationship with Rohit is more than that of a captain and his player – rather a leader and his team. “A leader determines how his team plays a particular format,” remarked Suryakumar Suryakumar Yadav, who has become one of the most successful T20 batsmen. Suryakumar Yadav has witnessed Rohit’s composure and ability to adjust himself on and off the field on numerous occasions, since he has been playing domestic cricket for Mumbai and has been with the Mumbai Indians in the IPL for the past 10 years.
“When I am on the field and he is batting, I pay him a lot of attention – his posture, how he speaks with the bowlers, and how he stays calm,”Suryakumar Yadav elucidated. “I have started doing what he has been doing, since it has worked wonders. Why should one not apply one’s own spice to it, which I did, adding a little of my own masala,” he giggled.
For Suryakumar Yadav, there is a clear link between the bond players form off the pitches and the bond they display on the pitches. He holds the view that the ability to strike a rapport off the field can make a world of difference to a team’s prospects. “In the leader, you look for someone who knows his desi players well enough to win their trust as he spends time with them,” he said. Even without the ball Suryakumar Yadav tries to be in contact with the team, be it through lunch, or beach chats stating those relations can establish a better bond on the pitch as well.
Suryakumar Yadav, however, seems to have dissected this problem in more grave detail because he understands the individual’s mind is the source of potential. “It’s making sure that the player has an awareness of their surroundings and insight into what occupies their thoughts,” he explained. While being cognizant of the fact that each player has specific parameters, attributes that have to be targeted Suryakumar Yadav places emphasis on a rather informal atmosphere so that players’ personalities can shine. “I want my players to go out and express themselves without restrictions on how they play the game. I pay excellent attention and always focus on the details of what is going on, who is able to take the stress and who is not in pressing situations,” he continued.
In the case of Suryakumar Yadav, this leadership trait he possesses, is a work in progress, as he has been very close to Rohit who has a calm and nurturing approach. After watching Rohit for quite a long time, Suryakumar Yadav developed an approach towards supporting his colleagues without them feeling undermined. “I’m aware of how he treats his players and how he expects them to perform,” he noted, stressing that such lessons remain with one for a lifetime.
One wonders, though, if Suryakumar Yadav’s chances of obtaining a permanent place in other formats are not hampered by his successful spell as a T20 captain. Suryakumar Yadav Test debut came in the last Border-Gavaskar Trophy series held in India, where he was able to take part in only one match. However, ever since the recently concluded ODI World Cup Suryakumar Yadav has been typified as a limited overs player, which creates skepticism regarding his ambitions to play tests. When Suryakumar Yadav was asked whether he still dreams of playing test cricket again, he viewed the question very practically. “I understand that my Test return will happen when it is supposed to happen. I get involved in all forms of competitions, red ball, white ball, domestic, everything.”
Suryakumar Yadav leadership principles build on the fundamentals he picked from Rohit’s style but brings in his own hallmark Wayan Suryakumar Yadav style of doing things. Seeking to strengthen mental toughness, team bonding huddles and the right atmosphere, Suryakumar Yadav looks to steer the Indian team to more glories on the global platform.
Suryakumar Yadav Take on the Leadership and Teambuilding
Suryakumar Yadav methodology of leadership shows that he knows that there is no team without trust, and without trust there is no team or relationship. As the captain, he spends time figuring out the individual strengths and pressures of each member, because for him, a leader must be accessible, for everyone’s eyes are on the leader. “It’s about creating a space where they are encouraged to express themselves,” he said, stressing players’ need to be free to perform without the fear of judgment.
This bond which he has with his teammates is important as it creates an atmosphere that enables them to thrive even in tight situations. As he explained, “You have to know who can deliver in crunch moments, and that can only happen if you spend time with them. It’s about knowing who can stay cool in a pressure cooker and how to use that.” Such knowledge of the psychology of his players enables Suryakumar Yadav to make choices that best match their spirits and abilities.
This empathy and understanding resonates with his desire to grow as a leader who upholds people first. Just as for Rohit, this style of leadership goes past tactical engagement but builds strong relationships through understanding. This personal touch, he argues, is essential for team cooperation and motivation, both vital if one is to cope with the rigors of international cricket.
With an eye on upcoming tournaments and a possible Test return, Suryakumar Yadav has a story of leadership that is unfolding. Yes, he appreciates the role of Rohit in his development as a leader, but Kyad is clear that when the time comes, he is going to leave his own mark in the role. Suryakumar Yadav believes that he is going to build his own legacy as a leader who balances intelligence, care and love for the sport while following his idol Rohit, but traveling a different route.
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