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NEW DELHI: It took Suryakumar Yadav nearly six months into his India captaincy to realise that trying to be a "father figure" or an "elder brother" to the younger members of the side would not really work.

The Mumbai batter soon understood that what truly helps is a free flowing exchange of ideas, giving players freedom of expression and allowing everyone to grow in their own way.

With significant backing from head coach Gautam Gambhir, who believes a quickfire 7 ball 21 should be celebrated just as much as a hundred, Surya decided that while he would "follow the footsteps of Rohit Sharma", the "shoes will be his own".

Asked about the dressing room atmosphere and the kind of advice he gives the younger players, Surya said:
“They don't let me talk much in the dressing room. They dictate their own terms. So, I have seen that when they get freedom, they become a different character on the ground.

“I started to relate to this team after 5-6 months (of captaincy). After that, I understood that there is no point in being a big brother or a father. You have to leave them.

“There is no point in holding on to them. You have to leave them open. Only then you can get the best from them,” Surya crisply outlined his leadership philosophy.

A team where every player has space

He explained that a cricket team is like a bouquet where every flower has its own place and importance.

“Every player has different skills and strengths. It's not that I haven't said anything to anyone. I have spoken to the players. But those who feel that I have left them, that percentage has increased from the start till now. So, I haven't said much to anyone," he said with a smile.

While March 8 will be one of the biggest days in Surya's career, the most refreshing aspect about him is that he has not lost his sense of humour.

When asked whether the boots of his predecessor Rohit Sharma felt too big to fill, he replied with a cheeky line.

“Sir, shoes are mine, I only follow his footsteps.”

Learning from Rohit Sharma

On a more serious note, Surya spoke about the lessons he picked up while playing under Rohit.

“The way, where he left, I got to learn a lot of things from him when I was playing under him. So, I also followed the same strategy, same fundamentals.

“I played a lot of cricket with Rohit. I know how he worked. So, I tried to implement the same things with a few thoughts of mine as well. And it's worked really well,” he said.

Surya admitted that there will inevitably be nerves before such a big occasion but focusing on controllable aspects remains the key.

“Yes, obviously, as a leader, there will definitely be pressure on me. I am not saying that there will be no pressure. But at the same time, there is a lot of excitement because you don't always get a chance to play in the World Cup final. And that too in India.”

Journey leading to the big final

For Surya, Sunday’s final represents the culmination of a journey that began two years ago.

“We’ve been preparing for this stage really well. Started two years back in its journey and the circle has come to the same stadium again where we left in 2023.

“Hopefully, we play some good cricket, be courageous in tough situations,” he concluded.

(With PTI Inputs)