Suryakumar Yadav, India's news T20I captain highlights Pandya’s key role ahead of Sri Lanka series

Suryakumar, 33, recently took over as India’s captain from the beloved Rohit Sharma, who retired from the 20-over format following India’s World Cup victory in June.He was chosen over all-rounder Hardik Pandya, whose frequent injury absences raised concerns.

However, Suryakumar’s previous captaincy of the Mumbai state team had raised questions about his leadership style, leading to his sacking in 2015 after complaints from teammates.

“Many things have changed since then. I am a different person now,” the batsman told reporters in Kandy ahead of Saturday’s series opener.”I have gotten married and learned a lot from other captains. I will take the team forward in my own style,” he added.

“Our brand of cricket remains the same. The captaincy has given me new responsibilities, and I am looking forward to the challenge.”Star batsman Virat Kohli also retired after the T20 World Cup, and India’s 15-man squad gives Suryakumar the opportunity to experiment with the top order, anchored by openers Shubman Gill and Yashasvi Jaiswal.

Suryakumar Yadav’s New leadership and Sri Lanka’s Squad changes ahead of upcoming Series

Sri Lanka also has a new short-format captain after a humiliating first-round World Cup knockout prompted Wanindu Hasaranga’s resignation just six months after his appointment.

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His replacement, Charith Asalanka, captained Jaffna Kings to a title win in the island’s 20-over Lanka Premier League tournament on Sunday.”It’s a huge challenge for us to play the world champions. We are ready for the challenge as we have prepared well for this series,” Asalanka said.

“A bit disappointed that we are not at full strength,” he added, noting that injuries and illness have affected the team’s pace attack.Fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of the series with a fractured thumb, while Dushmantha Chameera is unwell.

Sri Lanka has brought in right-arm seamer Asitha Fernando and left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka as replacements.The three-match series concludes on Tuesday in Kandy before a three-match ODI series begins in Colombo on Friday.