Veteran India all-rounder Axar Patel has supported Suryakumar Yadav’s appointment as Team India’s new T20I captain, calling him a “bowler’s captain”. However, Suryakumar Yadav was appointed India’s captain in the T20 format following the retirement of Rohit Sharma from T20Is after India’s victory in the T20 World Cup 2024 as well. Now, Axar Patel has backed his new captain, sharing anecdotes about his experience with him. He has also added that he will have conversations with new coach Gautam Gambhir regarding his role in the team.

Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Axar said, “I know he (Suryakumar Yadav) is a bowler’s captain. He gives the bowlers the fields they ask for. And it was like that with me, too. I don’t think there will be a lot of change. We will get to know now, playing under his captaincy about his mindset. You can’t judge someone’s captaincy by one tour. When we play more, we will get to know more of his captaincy style. Surya bhai is a happy-go-lucky guy. He keeps the atmosphere lively, loves doing mimicry and such fun stuff. I know he will keep the atmosphere cool.”

However, Axar Patel has been added to India’s squad for both the T20I and ODI squads in the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, which is also the first series under new head coach Gambhir. He will be competing with Washington Sundar for the role of bowling all-rounder in the side, with Sundar doing well in the recent T20I tour of Zimbabwe. However, India will play 3 T20Is and 3 ODIs against Sri Lanka, with the tour starting on Saturday, July 27 as well.

“With Gautam bhai, yes, we will go to Sri Lanka, there will be meetings, we will exchange a few thoughts and after that I will get to know exactly what my role is and what he thinks. I will get more clarity on that only after that,” concluded Axar Patel.