India's T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, expressed on Tuesday that he maintains a strong relationship with Hardik Pandya, emphasizing that the all-rounder is an integral member of the team's leadership group. These remarks were made shortly after Axar Patel was appointed as India's T20I vice-captain for the forthcoming five-match T20I series against England, commencing on January 22.

Following India's triumph in the T20 World Cup in 2024, there were expectations among fans and analysts that Hardik Pandya would assume the captaincy in the shortest format, particularly as he frequently stepped in for Rohit Sharma before the tournament.

Nevertheless, with Rohit Sharma's retirement from T20I cricket, Suryakumar Yadav was appointed as the new captain, while Hardik Pandya was not assigned the vice-captaincy role.

In the ODI format, Shubman Gill has been designated as vice-captain. Despite these changes, Suryakumar Yadav has clarified his positive rapport with his Mumbai Indians teammate, Hardik.

"My relationship with Hardik Pandya has been excellent. We have played together for a significant period. I recall our time together since 2018 when I returned to the Mumbai Indians, and that bond remains strong today," Suryakumar Yadav stated to reporters ahead of the first T20I in Kolkata.

"It is simply an additional responsibility that I have taken on here. When we return to franchise cricket, I will have the opportunity to be more relaxed and take a step back," he further remarked.

‘Good friends on the field’

Suryakumar Yadav expressed that he and Hardik Pandya share a strong friendship on the field, emphasizing Pandya's significant role within the leadership group.

"We have developed a solid friendship during matches, and we are aligned in our vision for the future of the India team. Axar has taken on additional responsibilities, and his performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup demonstrated his value to the team, having been a part of it for an extended period," Suryakumar Yadav stated.

"Moreover, Hardik is an integral member of the leadership team. When we convene, we collaboratively determine our strategy for the team's future, and he is consistently present during matches. We have numerous leaders on the field," he continued.

Suryakumar Yadav also highlighted his positive working relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir, expressing confidence that the team is progressing in the "right direction" under his guidance in the T20 format.

"I have played under Gambhir for four years, which has given me insight into his approach. Even without direct communication, we understand our objectives. Although he was absent during the South Africa tour due to his commitments with the Test team, we are indeed advancing positively with him at the helm," Suryakumar Yadav remarked.

"He fosters an environment of freedom, allowing players to express themselves. He simplifies processes and possesses a keen understanding of a player's mindset. He maintains a light-hearted atmosphere, which is beneficial for the team," he added.

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