Hardik back, Suryakumar on KKR: My bond with Gambhir is...

Before the 2014 Indian Premier League, Gautam Gambhir lured Mumbai Indians star Suryakumar Yadav to the Kolkata Knight Riders. Yadav has only appeared in one IPL match. With Gambhir's support, Surya went from warming the benches at MI for two years to playing all 16 games for KKR, the ultimate champions of that year. Back then, he was a thrilling finisher who dazzled everyone with his fireworks. During one of the post-match interviews, Gambhir expressed his satisfaction with Surya's performance to the extent of promising him a higher batting position.

Under Gambhir's leadership, Surya spent four seasons playing for KKR, but it wasn't until MI brought him back and provided him the No. 3 berth that he truly realized his potential. Gambhir continued by saying that he regretted most of all not being able to keep Surya and elevate him up the batting order.

In 2024, the two are in radically different phases of their professional lives. Surya is currently the T20I captain, and Gambhir, the new head coach of India, has just begun his career. Naturally, after India won the 2024 T20 World Cup, Gambhir played a key part in promoting Suyra to head the team for Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) in place of Rohit Sharma.

"Even though I wasn't the captain, I have always loved taking the lead on the field. I've always picked quite a lot of knowledge from other captains. Before Saturday's first Twenty20 International match against Sri Lanka Pallekele, Suryakumar spoke with BCCI.TV, saying, "It's a great feeling and a great responsibility."

Recognized for his inventive strokes and aggressive batting style, Suryakumar called his bond with Gambhir "very strong and unique."

"We have a unique relationship because I played for KKR under him in 2014." It was unique since only I was able to take advantage of those opportunities. The bond between them is still strong.

"Gambhir is aware of my methods and my attitude when I attend practice sessions. I'm also aware of his attempts to function as a coach. The Mumbai batter remarked, "It's all about the wonderful relationship we have and very excited to see how it goes forward."

Surya desires to stay modest.

Suryakumar acknowledges that he views cricket as a sport and not as a way of life, and that he therefore wants to lead the team on the field while being modest and grounded.

"The most valuable lesson I believe I have taken away from this sport is how modest one can be, both when success is achieved and when failure is experienced. I've discovered that whatever you do on the ground, you have to leave it there," he remarked.

"This is only a portion of your life; it is not your entire existence. Therefore, you cannot be underground while things are bad and remain on top when things are going well.

"There is one thing that as a sportsperson, you should never do.

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