Team India has won the first T20I match against South Africa by 101 runs at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
Former South African pacer Dale Steyn feels that Suryakumar Yadav`s secure and welcoming captaincy brings out the best in the players.
Speaking on JioStar, Steyn said, “When you have the backing of your team and feel comfortable in your environment, you can have open conversations with your players. You`re not threatened by your spot or by the captaincy”.
“You put the team first and say, `What`s best for the individual? What`s best for the team?` That`s the kind of captain everyone wants, someone who`s secure, welcoming, and willing to adjust for the greater good. Even if it`s just for a game or a series, that flexibility brings out the best in your players,” he added.
The former pacer also said that when such a captain asks a player to bat at number six instead of three, the player understands the strategy behind it.
“So when he tells someone, `You can`t bat at three today, I need you at six,` the batter understands because the captain has backed him before. That`s a fantastic skill and a great leadership quality,” said the Phalaborwa-born cricketer.
Premier all-rounder Hardik Pandya played a crucial role for the side in the series opener. With the willow, he smashed a fiery, unbeaten half-century and also bagged a wicket. Following his heroics, the right-hander was named the “Player of the Match”. With the dominating victory, the “Men in Blue” have taken a 1-0 lead against the Proteas.
The second T20I match between Team India and South Africa is scheduled to be played on Thursday at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in Punjab.
IND vs SA 2nd T20I: Full Squads
India: Abhishek Sharma, Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav (C), Tilak Varma, Axar Patel, Hardik Pandya, Shuvam Dube, Washington Sundar, Jitesh Sharma, Sanju Samson, Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy.
South Africa: David Miller, Reeza Hendricks, Aiden Markram (C), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Keshav Maharaj, Marco Jansen, Donovan Ferreira, Quinton de Kock, Tristan Stubbs, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Lutho Sipamla, Ottniel Baartman.
(With PTI Inputs)