Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav (Photo: T20 Mumbai)
New Delhi: Shreyas Iyer’s first day as India’s new T20I captain could not have unfolded in a more dramatic way.Hours after the BCCI announced Iyer as Suryakumar Yadav’s successor at the helm of the national T20 team, the two Mumbai powerhouses faced off in the Mumbai T20 league.
By the end of the evening, India’s newly appointed captain had the final say, as the SoBo guided Mumbai Falcons to a five-wicket win over Suryakumar’s Triumph Knights MNE.While Suryakumar produced a trademark 48 off 24 balls, smashing three fours and four sixes, Shreyas responded with 61 off just 36 deliveries, laced with five boundaries and four sixes, to guide his side to victory in style.
Shreyas answers with the batBatting first, Triumph Knights MNE managed 147 for eight, with Suryakumar once again providing the spark. The former India T20 captain looked in fine touch and looked set for a bigger score before falling behind with a half-century.However, Shreyas maintained that the spotlight will remain firmly on him. Introduced as an influential replacement for SoBo Mumbai Falcons, the 31-year-old played the captain’s knock, expertly pacing the chase as his side crossed the finish line with five wickets in hand.
The competition gained additional importance after the selection of the president
Ajit Agarkar
The selection committee decided to give Shreyas the captaincy for the upcoming T20I series against Ireland and England, ending Suryakumar’s stint just months after he led India to the T20 World Cup title.Read also: SKYfall: Why India has moved on from Suryakumar Yadav – The numbers behind the end of the SKY eraWarm hugs, warm words from SuryakumarDespite the dramatic change in leadership, there was no sign of bitterness between the two long-time Mumbai teammates.Before the match, Suryakumar and Shreyas shared a warm hug, reflecting the friendship built over years of representing Mumbai and India together.Speaking during the toss, Suryakumar publicly supported his successor and described the appointment as a proud moment for Mumbai cricket.“Very, very happy for Shreyas that he will lead the Indian T20 team. We played a lot of cricket together in Bombay. Three consecutive Mumbai captains will lead the T20 team for India. It is a very proud moment and everyone should celebrate that,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Suryakumar also wished the Indian team success on social media and congratulated teenage player Vaibhav Suryavanshi on earning his maiden call-up to the Indian national team.The selectors admitted that removing Suryakumar from the captaincy was a difficult task, especially after his World Cup win earlier this year. But with an eye on the upcoming T20 World Cup cycle, they have opted for a new leadership direction and put their faith in Shreyas’ credentials and consistency.