“’He Mirrors The Bowler’: Suryakumar Yadav On Gambhir’s Coaching In Asia Cup 2025

Team India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav opened up about his on-field communication with head coach Gautam Gambhir, highlighting the strong rapport they share. Their connection runs deep, as Yadav played under Gambhir during his early years in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Since taking charge from Rahul Dravid after the 2024 T20 World Cup, Gambhir has guided the Indian T20I team through a significant transition. One of his first major moves was naming Suryakumar Yadav as the full-time captain. Together, they’ve won 20 of their last 22 matches, including an unbeaten 2025 Asia Cup.

Suryakumar Yadav spoke about his strong rapport with Gautam Gambhir, revealing that the coach assists him with on-field tactical decisions from the dressing room whenever needed.

“Even during the Asia Cup, I was confused so many times on the ground as to what changes to make in the bowling and all. Those times, I just glance back towards him, and he knows what I am trying to convey, and he mimics the action of a bowler to suggest that he can be brought on next, and my doubt is solved,” Suryakumar Yadav said on Vimal Kumar’s YouTube channel.

“I used to call him Gauti bhai, and I still call him Gauti bhai. It’s a small brother-big brother relationship that we have. If you tell me and him to make a playing XI separately, I can guarantee you that not one name will be different. What more can I say, that is the level of tuning,” he added.

“Everyone is equal there”- Suryakumar Yadav on putting ego aside for the team

Suryakumar Yadav emphasized that he doesn’t make decisions alone and values input from every team member, regardless of their role or seniority.

“Even if a trainer, physio, or fielding coach tells me something that might help the team, I will use that on the ground. Over there, everybody is equal, it is not as if I am the leader. Because if that happens, your collar starts to tighten, your body language changes, and your mind starts to deviate from cricket. Then you start becoming famous for all the wrong reasons,” the T20I captain said.