Ravi Shastri identifies key factor for Suryakumar Yadav’s success as T20I captain

Former India coach Ravi Shastri has pinpointed a crucial skill Suryakumar Yadav must master to succeed as India's new T20I captain. Suryakumar, who recently succeeded Rohit Sharma, will soon lead India in a three-match series against Sri Lanka.

Shastri believes Suryakumar has the potential to excel in his new role but warns that he must quickly learn to manage India's diverse bowling lineup. During a conversation on The ICC Review, Shastri emphasized the importance of understanding each bowler's strengths and limitations.

"One thing that he (Suryakumar) will have to learn from his side, is what are the strengths of his bowlers and what are the limitations," Shastri said.

"I never say a bowler has a weakness, I say a limitation and then there are strengths. And then focus on the right things and set fields accordingly. I think that's what he will have to learn," he further added.

Suryakumar has some experience in captaincy, having led India in T20I series against Australia and South Africa following last year's ICC Men's Cricket World Cup when Rohit was absent. He has also captained at the domestic level for Mumbai.

Shastri believes Suryakumar’s dynamic batting skills and smart cricketing mind will aid him in his new leadership role. 

"We know he is street smart...he is one of the best T20 players in the world at the moment. He is a match-winner on his own, walks into the team day in, day out in that format of the game on his own steam, so I think it's not a bad idea at all," Shastri said.

Shastri expects Suryakumar's captaincy style to reflect his personality and quick thinking on the field. 

"I think it'll [captaincy style] be much like his personality, the way he plays the game. He'll be thinking very quickly and the fact that he knows all these players, even the senior players, I think he'll be in a great position to handle the team," he concluded.