India's T20 skipper Suryakumar Yadav on Saturday (March 8) hailed Rohit Sharma as the most "honest and clean hearted man" who has always let others grow.
Suryakumar also hoped that Rohit will lead the country to ICC Champions Trophy triumph on Sunday (March 9). The Men in Blue are due to face New Zealand in the title clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.
"He is very natural and instinctive. Whatever he does he keeps others in front and watches others grow. He is an easily approachable man. He always raises his hand and say I will do this for you. He is very natural on and off the field, clean-hearted, very honest," Suryakumar said at the 'India Today Conclave'.
According to Surya, a calm dug-out means a happy dressing room, resulting in the players being fearless and expressive.
"The camaraderie and trust which is seen on the ground among the players, most importantly the dug out is relaxed. When you see the dug out is relaxed, that means something right is happening inside," he added.
Commenting on the Champions Trophy final, Surya said that he won't look beyond India to clinch the coveted trophy. "India is winning the final tomorrow, it's simple. India has been playing an amazing brand of cricket for the last two years and they should just be themselves," he stated.
Suryakumar Yadav said his advice to his teammates in the T20I side is to play "fearless" and aggressive brand of cricket.
"In a match, say two batters score 75 runs each, then two or three other batters can have 12-ball 30 like that to post a big total. We have to be fearless, either we win or we learn."
Talking about his relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir, Surya said, "When I was with KKR, he always spoke to me about leadership, how to carry on the field, what to do off the field, may be a better captain. I have learnt a lot from him, he is a very smart man..
Asked if Gambhir is misunderstood by people, Surya replied, "He is a normal guy. Off the field, he does not say anything, does not utter any single word, no reaction. He is a good man."
Mumbai Indians endured a dismal IPL 2024 campaign, but Suryakumar reckoned that this season could be a "special year" for the franchise.
"It's odd year (2025), emotions are high, half of boys have reached there for training. I fee it will be a special year,” he remarked.
(With PTI Inputs)
