When Suryakumar Yadav walked out for the toss as India’s new captain in 2024, there was curiosity in the air. Taking charge of a World Cup-winning team is never simple, especially when you are succeeding someone as admired as Rohit Sharma. Yet, instead of dramatic change, the team experienced stability.
The transition at the top of Indian cricket turned out to be smooth and reassuring. Suryakumar Yadav, fondly known as SKY, stepped into one of the toughest roles in world cricket and made it look natural. There were no visible shifts in personality or leadership style. According to India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate, that has made all the difference.
Ryan ten Doeschate, the former Netherlands international, has closely observed SKY’s journey over the past 18 months. He believes Suryakumar Yadav built strong bonds within the squad in a relatively short time, despite the pressure of leading a champion side.
Ryan ten Doeschate said that in the last 18 months, SKY built a rapport with the team and though it is extremely difficult to take over a World Champion team, he made it look easy. What stood out most, he explained, was that Suryakumar never changed who he was. Even during difficult patches with the bat, there was no panic and no added pressure from within.
Ryan ten Doeschate highlighted that SKY’s consistency in addressing the group and maintaining a positive mood in the camp has been crucial. Whether he scores a duck or plays a match-winning knock like his 82-run blitz, his personality remains steady.
That emotional balance, the coach said, has been almost therapeutic for the team. For Ryan ten Doeschate, Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership over the past year and a half has been nothing short of “high, high class”.
We certainly agree with Ryan ten Doeschate, what do you say?
