Former New Zealand cricketer Scott Styris has weighed in on India’s T20I captaincy situation, suggesting that Suryakumar Yadav’s recent appointment is a short-term solution while Shubman Gill prepares to eventually take the helm. According to Styris, this strategic decision is designed to give Gill time to grow and refine his leadership skills before stepping into the role full-time.
Styris, a long-time admirer of Gill, highlighted the young cricketer’s recent elevation to vice-captain in both T20Is and ODIs, taking over from Hardik Pandya. As India gears up for the upcoming T20I series against Sri Lanka, starting on July 27, Suryakumar will lead the team, marking the beginning of this transitional phase.
In an interview with India Today, Styris explained that the role of vice-captain is crucial for understanding the nuances of leadership. He believes that Gill, who has already captained in the IPL, is gaining valuable experience. However, Styris also noted that with senior players retiring, and no clear-cut leader emerging, Suryakumar’s appointment serves as a temporary bridge.
“Being vice-captain is about learning leadership and team management. I have no problem with Shubman Gill in that role. He’s done it in the IPL, and he’s captained some big names. The decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as captain seems like a way to give Gill more time to develop before taking over fully,” Styris said.
Styris emphasized that Gill, who debuted internationally in 2019, still has room to grow, particularly in achieving consistency across all formats. The cricket management team appears to be allowing him this development time, with an eye on him for the future captaincy.
“Gill has shown high-quality performances, but now it’s about maintaining that consistency across all three formats. It’s a smart move to let him focus on improving his game while also getting him ready for future leadership responsibilities,” Styris added.
A Smart Choice for the Future
Styris praised the decision to appoint Suryakumar as captain, noting that new head coach Gautam Gambhir may not have seen a natural leader in the current squad. He believes this move allows time to assess who might be the best long-term option, with Suryakumar serving as a capable interim leader.
“It’s a short-term strategy. Suryakumar brings experience, and if he performs well, he could even lead the team in the next T20 World Cup. This gives Gill and others time to mature. It’s a clever decision by Gambhir and the management,” Styris concluded.
