Cricket is often celebrated not just for the game but for the moments of humanity and sportsmanship that emerge on the field. One such heartwarming incident occurred during a recent match when Indian cricket star Surya Kumar Yadav (fondly known as SKY) displayed an act of humility and respect toward his teammate Ravi Bishnoi.

While celebrating a wicket, Bishnoi’s cap accidentally fell to the ground and landed near Surya Kumar Yadav. What followed next won the admiration of fans across the globe. SKY immediately picked up the cap, kissed it, touched it to his own head as a mark of respect, and handed it back to Bishnoi with a smile.

A gentleman’s game highlighted by SKY’s gesture

Surya Kumar Yadav’s act was not just a mere reflex but a reflection of his grounded nature and understanding of cricket’s spirit. By kissing the cap and touching it to his head, SKY honored Bishnoi’s hard work and dedication symbolized by that cap.

This simple yet profound act resonated with fans, many of whom saw SKY’s actions as a reminder of the humility and respect cricket stands for. Social media erupted with praise for the Indian batter, with fans calling it a moment of pure class and a true representation of the values we all aspire to.

pic.twitter.com/ap5IkVGaK0

— The Modi Saga (@themodisaga) November 16, 2024

See Also: Rob Walter faces challenges as South Africa struggle in T20I Series

Surya Kumar Yadav: The people's cricketer

Surya Kumar Yadav has long been a fan favorite for his flamboyant batting and innovative stroke play. However, moments like these underscore why he’s not just admired for his cricketing skills but also for his character.

In a sport where competitiveness often overshadows camaraderie, SKY’s gesture became a shining example of the values cricket promotes—respect for teammates and the game itself. Fans lauded him for his down-to-earth attitude and for setting an example for aspiring cricketers worldwide.

Right before the start of the first T20I game, the viewers became witness to an unusual event in Kinngsmead, Durban. The Indian national anthem reportedly stopped twice due to a possible technical glitch midway during the anthem.

In the first instance, the national anthem stopped and the players were left singing all by themselves. But when the glitch occurred a second time, players including the likes of Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar, and Tilak Varma were left bewildered and their hilarious reaction soon went viral on social media like wildfire.  

Watch the full incident here

Technical issues while playing India national anthem at South Africa #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/zERCrEi3DV

— Mr.Perfect 🗿 (@gotnochills007) November 8, 2024

It was a light moment for the Indian team as the players were seen chuckling around in this video footage. Hardik on one hand could be observed clapping his hands together with a smile on his face while Axar, who was standing next to him was also full of smiles. However, on the contrary, the South African team did not face any such hiccups of this sort when their country's national anthem was played. 

Calm before the storm

Although players shared a light moment before the start of the game, very few could have accurately speculated the carnage that was to follow. Sanju Samson launched a scathing attack on the Proteas bowlers and smashed his second consecutive T20I ton to power India to a commanding first innings total of 202-8. During his scintiliating knock, Samson amassed 107 in 50 balls which included seven fours and a mind-boggling 10 sixes. 

In reply, South Africa were a no-show with the bat and the target proved way beyond their reach as they were bundled out cheaply for only 141. 

See also: Controversial India vs Bangladesh Kanpur Test venue rating revealed

In a thrilling final of the T20 World Cup 2024, India clinched a seven-run victory over South Africa, holding their nerve in the last moments of the match. Jasprit Bumrah’s brilliance and Rohit Sharma’s tactical approach on and off the field ensured India’s first T20 World Cup title in over a decade. With South Africa needing 30 runs in 30 balls, the game was in their favor until India turned the tables, thanks to a fiery bowling display and Rohit's psychological strategies.

Rohit Sharma’s bold sledging plan in the crucial moments

As the match reached its final stages, South Africa required 16 runs in the last over. Rohit Sharma, known for his calm demeanor, revealed a different side during the match as he urged his teammates to put pressure on the South African batters through sledging. His bold statement to the players, "Jisko jo bolna hai bolo bindaas, umpires and referees ko hum baad mei handle karenge," demonstrated his unyielding desire to win at any cost. Suryakumar Yadav’s crucial catch of David Miller in the first ball of the final over further fueled India’s confidence.

Rohit Sharma: “Maine sab players ko bola ki umpire aur referee's ko baad mein dekh lenge.” 😭😂#RohitSharma 🤭 pic.twitter.com/I9MLsFSSAY

— Ruhani Pahadi || (रूहानी पहाड़ी) (@Ruhaniman) October 5, 2024

Rohit Sharma: “Maine sab players ko bola ki umpire aur referee's ko baad mein dekh lenge.” 😭😂https://t.co/L2DlmYUhWh

— ` (@cutxpull45) October 5, 2024

Captain Rohit Sharma talking about Rishabh Pant’s smartness in T20 World Cup final .#RohitSharma #RishabhPant @RishabhPant17 @ImRo45
pic.twitter.com/pg1YWCLWdM

— THIRD MAN 👨‍⚖️ (@cricupdatesonX) October 6, 2024

See Also: Women's T20 World Cup 2024, India vs Pakistan: When and where to watch live and online

Rohit and Kohli announce retirement, Suryakumar Yadav named new T20 captain

Following the iconic win, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli announced their retirement from T20 Internationals, marking the end of an era. Rohit’s leadership legacy will now be carried forward by Suryakumar Yadav, who was named the new captain of the T20I team. Suryakumar will lead the team in the upcoming series against Bangladesh, set to begin on October 6. Joining him on "The Great Kapil Sharma Show" were teammates Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, and Arshdeep Singh, who celebrated the team's victory and shared their experiences of the tournament.

Team India's wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant recently opined on Suryakumar Yadav's stunning catch on the boundary to remove David Miller in the 2024 T20 World Cup final against South Africa. As soon as Miller hit the ball, Pant thought it went for a six. South Africa required 16 runs off the final over.

With the dangerous Miller at the crease, the Proteas had the upper hand. On the first delivery, Hardik Pandya bowled a full toss outside the off-stump and Miller hit a lofted shot down the ground. However, Suryakumar Yadav grabbed a sensational juggling catch at long-off and dismissed him. That shifted the momentum and India eventually won the T20 World Cup 2024.

"When the ball was in the air, it felt like everything was gone" - Rishabh Pant

"When the ball was in the air, it felt like everything was gone. When it hit the bat, it seemed like a sure-shot six. The ball didn't cross the boundary line because of the Indian fans' prayers," Rishabh Pant said on Tanmay Bhat's YouTube channel. 

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma comments on his retirement plans after quitting T20Is

Notably, the 2024 T20 World Cup marked Rishabh Pant's comeback to international cricket after nearly more than 1 year. However, he was sidelined after sustaining multiple injuries in a car crash in December 2022 as well. Rishabh Pant also said that he always dreamt of winning a World Cup for Team India. He also suggested that he would always cherish the win, describing it as 'unbelievable.'

"As a cricketer, you dream of winning the World Cup. During the injury, I was thinking that I wanted to win the World Cup. To come back into the side and directly win the World Cup was an unbelievable feeling. I am not thinking much about it now because I feel in India, people forget after 10-15 days what you have done. So, it is important for you to forget these things as well. That moment will always be there with me, but now we have to move on and focus on what's next," he shared.

"I understand what he is saying on the ground" - Rishabh Pant on Rohit Sharma

However, he was also asked if he understands captain Rohit Sharma's messages as he speaks in a typical Mumbai-style language as well. Pant mentioned while he gets Rohit's on-field messages, he finds it tough to decode his words off the field.

He said, "I understand what he is saying on the ground. However, I don't understand much when it comes to off the field. "It was one of the most important matches of the season for us and we needed to perform well. I couldn't play that match and was thinking what could I do from the outside?"

"It was an amazing relationship. There was a lot of freedom and understanding with Ravi bhai. Instead of telling me not to do something, he would give me a better option. I believe in that approach. I don't like when someone says that this cannot be done. I was getting out to off-spinners very often at one point. He told me that I needed to do something about facing off-spinners. He asked me to start playing the reverse sweep against off-spinners," he concluded.

Sri Lanka’s pacer Binura Fernando will miss the first T20I against India, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) confirmed on Friday July 26. The left arm bowler is in the hospital due to a chest infection. Recent reports from Sri Lanka mentioned that Fernando had the flu and his chances of playing were very slim. SLC has now confirmed he was admitted to the hospital.

Sri Lanka has added spin-bowling allrounder Ramesh Mendis to the squad as a backup. Mendis has played two T20Is, both in 2021, and last appeared for Sri Lanka in a 2023 Test against Pakistan.

Ramesh Mendis added as backup player

“Binura Fernando has been hospitalized as the player is suffering from a chest infection. Ramesh Mendis has been brought into the squad as a standby player,” stated SLC.

Losing Binura Fernando is a significant setback for Sri Lanka. He was in excellent form during the Lanka Premier League this month, taking 13 wickets and maintaining a strong economy rate of 6.81.

Charith Asalanka takes over as T20 captain

The series against India will be a fresh start for Sri Lanka in T20Is. A new captain, Charith Asalanka, will lead the team. He recently replaced Wanindu Hasaranga, who stepped down this month after Sri Lanka’s poor performance at the T20 World Cup.

This series is a chance for Sri Lanka to recover from their disappointing World Cup campaign, where they were eliminated in the group stage. They will be eager to perform well against India.

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.

SEE ALSO:Women’s T20 Asia Cup 2024, Semi-final 1: Brilliant spells from Renuka and Radha help India dominate Bangladesh

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.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has joined a growing chorus of former cricketers questioning the decision of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as India’s new T20I captain over Hardik Pandya. Despite Hardik’s impressive credentials, including leading the Gujarat Titans to an IPL title and serving as Rohit Sharma’s deputy during India’s successful T20 World Cup campaign, the BCCI opted for Suryakumar Yadav. This decision has sparked widespread debate within the cricketing community.

BCCI’s bold captaincy decision

The BCCI’s choice of Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain came as a surprise to many, especially given Hardik Pandya’s leadership experience and success in the IPL. Hardik was widely expected to succeed Rohit Sharma as the T20I captain. However, chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited fitness concerns as the primary reason for preferring Suryakumar for the captaincy role. Agarkar’s statement has led to mixed reactions, with some agreeing with the focus on fitness and others questioning the justification.

“No, here they (the claims) just hand him a certificate saying he isn’t fit and there are concerns about his fitness. There are plenty of players who weren’t super fit but still became great captains. So, I think it was just an excuse. Because if Surya wasn’t around, then Rishabh (Pant) would have been the captain since you have to look at the future,” Latif said.

Additionally, Hardik Pandya lost his T20I vice-captaincy to the young and promising Shubman Gill. The selection committee explained that this decision was part of their strategy to groom young players for future leadership roles.

Rashid Latif’s criticism

Rashid Latif, known for his outspoken opinions, has openly criticized the BCCI’s reasoning. Latif dismissed the fitness concerns as mere excuses for bypassing Hardik Pandya for the captaincy. He argued that if fitness is genuinely an issue, the selectors should provide an unfit certificate for Hardik. Latif’s comments reflect a broader skepticism about the decision-making process within the BCCI.

See also: Rahul Dravid to discuss cricket’s inclusion in Olympics at Paris event – Cricket Winner

In a press conference held before India’s departure for the Sri Lanka tour, Ajit Agarkar addressed the media, reiterating that fitness played a significant role in the decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav over Hardik Pandya.

“Hardik’s skill-sets are difficult to find and fitness is difficult to find. we have got a bit more time and we can look at a few things. Fitness was a clear challenge and we wanted someone who was likely to be available more often,” Agarkar said.

“We have taken general feedback from the dressing room also,” he added.

Despite this explanation, the debate continues, with many former players and fans expressing their dissatisfaction with the BCCI’s choice.

As the race for India’s T20I captaincy intensifies ahead of the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, the saga has taken a new twist. Suryakumar Yadav has emerged as the frontrunner to replace Rohit Sharma as the long-term captain in T20Is, potentially edging out Hardik Pandya for the coveted position. The T20 specialist reportedly has the backing of new India head coach Gautam Gambhir, adding another layer of intrigue to the ongoing captaincy debate.

Suryakumar Yadav’s ascendancy

Suryakumar Yadav, often referred to as SKY, is one of the best batters in T20Is globally, and his recent performances have been stellar. Since his debut in March 2021, Suryakumar has amassed 2,340 runs in 68 T20Is at an impressive average of 43.33 and a strike rate of 167.74. His tally includes four centuries and 19 fifties. Notably, in 2022, he became the first Indian cricketer to score over 1,000 T20I runs in a calendar year, finishing with 1,164 runs at a strike rate of 187.43.

In terms of leadership, Suryakumar has led India in seven T20Is, securing five wins and two defeats. His captaincy debut came in the five-match home T20I series against Australia in November last year, where he led India to a 4-1 series victory. Additionally, he has led Mumbai Indians (MI) in one IPL game, showcasing his potential with a match-winning 25-ball 43 against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Concerns over experience

Despite his impressive stats, there are concerns regarding Suryakumar’s experience as a captain. At 33, he is one of India’s most consistent performers in T20Is, but his leadership credentials remain largely unproven. He has not captained MI in the IPL, despite being part of the team for ten seasons. Instead, MI chose to reappoint Hardik Pandya as captain last season, highlighting a preference for the all-rounder’s leadership over Suryakumar.

Moreover, Suryakumar’s captaincy experience at the domestic level includes leading Mumbai and guiding India to a 4-1 series win against a second-string Australian side, followed by a 1-1 draw in a T20I series against South Africa. While these are commendable feats, the lack of a proven leader at the helm might be a gamble for India in the long term.

Best player vs. Best captain

The debate over whether the best player is always the best captain is a crucial one. Suryakumar’s batting prowess is undisputed, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into effective captaincy. There are numerous examples in cricket history where the best players have struggled to meet expectations as captains.

Hardik Pandya, on the other hand, has demonstrated his leadership abilities with Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL. He led GT to their maiden IPL title in their debut season and guided them to back-to-back finals, narrowly missing out on a second successive title. His strong character and ability to bounce back from setbacks were evident during the T20 World Cup 2024, despite his fitness issues.

Implications of split captaincy

The potential appointment of Suryakumar as the T20I captain raises questions about split captaincy in white-ball cricket. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has traditionally preferred having the same captain for both ODIs and T20Is. Suryakumar’s inconsistent record in ODIs and his uncertain place in the ODI side complicate this scenario. If Suryakumar is appointed as the long-term T20I captain, it might lead to split captaincy, with different leaders for ODIs and T20Is, which could impact team dynamics.

Hardik Pandya, conversely, could have been a strong contender to lead India in ODIs after Rohit Sharma, provided he succeeded in the T20I format. However, the current situation with Suryakumar might not afford India the same luxury, potentially leading to a divided leadership structure in the long term.

See Also: Indian players prefer Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership over Hardik Pandya, source reveals – Cricket Winner

The decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as India’s T20I captain is a significant one, laden with both potential and pitfalls. While his batting credentials are beyond reproach, his relative inexperience as a leader poses a risk. The debate over the best player versus the best captain is crucial, and the implications of split captaincy need careful consideration. As India navigates this crucial decision, the performances and leadership qualities of both Suryakumar and Hardik Pandya will be under intense scrutiny. Only time will tell if SKY can soar as India’s T20I captain.

Hardik Pandya has been a standout performer for India, establishing himself as the country’s best seam-bowling all-rounder. His prowess with both bat and ball made him a prime candidate to succeed Rohit Sharma as India’s white-ball skipper. Having captained India in 19 matches between June 2022 and August 2023, achieving 12 wins, he was seen as the future leader for the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, things took a different turn as Rohit Sharma returned, leading India to a World Cup victory. Despite his credentials, Pandya has now found himself out of favor, with Suryakumar Yadav being preferred as the T20I captain for the Sri Lanka tour.

How Hardik Pandya fell out of favor

Hardik Pandya’s exclusion from the captaincy role was not due to his performance, which remained consistently strong. Instead, his fitness issues played a significant role in the decision. Pandya’s injury history, including a serious ankle injury during the ODI World Cup group stage match against New Zealand, raised concerns among the selectors and the board. This injury sidelined him for five months, adding to his history of back problems that had previously kept him from bowling for extended periods.

With the T20 World Cup just six months away, the selectors were hesitant to pick Pandya as the captain, fearing his fitness might not hold up. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, who had the desire to pursue another ICC title, was chosen over Pandya. Head coach Rahul Dravid, persuaded to stay on till the T20 World Cup, supported Rohit’s leadership.

Pandya’s poor performance in the IPL further dented his prospects. His leadership and on-field performance failed to inspire confidence, and there were reports that he struggled to win over the dressing room at Mumbai Indians (MI). This lack of trust was echoed by a BCCI official who mentioned that Pandya “couldn’t be trusted to rally the national team together.”

Indian players prefer Surya

The decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as the T20I captain was influenced by several factors, including player feedback. Despite Pandya’s strong credentials, the players expressed a preference for Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership. His calm approach and effective communication skills impressed the team during last year’s home series against Australia and the South Africa tour. Players felt more comfortable and trusted Surya’s leadership style, which was reminiscent of Rohit Sharma’s emphasis on one-to-one communication.

Pandya’s request for a break from the Sri Lanka ODIs due to personal issues also validated the concerns regarding his workload management. New head coach Gautam Gambhir, seeking stability, did not support a captain whose workload needed constant monitoring. Gambhir, along with chief selector Ajit Agarkar, played crucial roles in the decision to appoint Suryakumar Yadav as the new T20I captain. Despite some opposition within the board, the combined views of Gambhir and Agarkar became the decisive factor in preferring Suryakumar’s leadership over Pandya’s.

See Also: Suryakumar Yadav appointed as new T20I captain for India’s tour of Sri Lanka – Cricket Winner

In conclusion, while Hardik Pandya remains a valuable player, fitness concerns and a preference for Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership style have led to a significant shift in India’s T20I captaincy, marking a new chapter for the team post-Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli era.

“Suryakumar Yadav Named India’s New T20I Captain, Leading the Team for Sri Lanka Series”.Suryakumar Yadav has been appointed as India’s new T20I captain, succeeding Hardik Pandya, who served as vice-captain during the team’s victorious 2024 T20 World Cup campaign in the USA and West Indies this June.

Suryakumar’s inaugural challenge will be the upcoming three T20Is against Sri Lanka on June 27, 28, and 30. This series marks the debut coaching stint of India’s new coach Gautam Gambhir and is viewed as the initial phase in preparing for the 2026 T20 World Cup, hosted jointly by India and Sri Lanka. While Hardik remains a part of the T20I squad, Shubman Gill has been appointed as vice-captain.

Gill took charge of India during the five-match T20I series against Zimbabwe following the T20 World Cup.The decision to appoint a new captain arose after Rohit Sharma retired from T20Is following the World Cup victory.

Despite Hardik serving as Rohit’s deputy during the World Cup and boasting extensive captaincy experience – having led India in three ODIs and 16 T20Is, in addition to leading Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians in the IPL – concerns over fitness and workload management likely influenced the selection panel, led by Ajit Agarkar.

SEE ALSO:India’s ODI squad for Sri Lanka: Shubman Gill announced VC, Shreyas back in team

Hardik had endured an ankle injury during the ODI World Cup in October-November, sidelining him until the beginning of IPL 2024, where he returned to captain Mumbai Indians. Consequently, Hardik has featured in only 46 of India’s 79 T20Is since the start of 2022.

Meanwhile, Suryakumar has previously captained the Mumbai state team in domestic competitions. Recently, he led India to a 4-1 victory over Australia in a T20I series last November, followed by a 1-1 draw in South Africa.

India’s T20I Squad for Sri Lanka tour: Suryakumar Yadav (C), Shubman Gill (VC), Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rinku Singh, Riyan Parag, Rishabh Pant (WK), Sanju Samson (WK), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Khaleel Ahmed, Mohd. Siraj.