We often hear cricketers talk about their idols. Recently, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav shared one of his biggest regrets of his cricketing career. He echoed that never getting the chance to play under MS Dhoni’s captaincy was his biggest cricketing regret.
Speaking at the JITO Connect 2025 event, Suryakumar Yadav also opened up about what makes Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma such different yet successful leaders.
For someone who entered international cricket much later than expected, Suryakumar’s reflections are full of humility and respect. He didn’t complain about missed opportunities; instead, he talked about what he learned by simply observing legends from a distance.
I always wanted to get a chance when MS Dhoni was India’s captain: Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar made his India debut in 2021, four years after Dhoni stepped down as captain. By then, the “Captain Cool” era had ended, and India had already moved forward under new leadership. Yet, Dhoni’s influence never really left the dressing room — and Suryakumar admitted he always wished for that one opportunity.
“I always wanted to get an opportunity when he was India’s captain, but I never got it,” Suryakumar said.
Dhoni retired from international cricket in 2020, but his aura still surrounds Indian cricket. For younger players like Suryakumar, Dhoni represented calmness and control.
“I saw him behind the stumps whenever I played against him in the IPL,” Suryakumar said. “One thing I learned from him was to stay calm in pressure situations. He never panicked, he would observe the game and then make decisions.”
Those words perfectly sum up Dhoni’s greatness. He didn’t need to shout instructions or dominate every moment — his quiet control spoke louder than words. Suryakumar’s respect for that quality shows how much Dhoni’s approach continues to shape even the next generation of cricketers.
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The Mumbai batter described Dhoni’s demeanour as “unshakably composed.” He said he tries to bring that same calmness into his own leadership, especially when things get tense. It’s clear Dhoni’s style still inspires him, even though they never shared the Indian dressing room together.
When talking about Virat Kohli, Suryakumar’s tone shifted to admiration for a completely different kind of leader. “Virat bhai is a very hard taskmaster. He pushes your limits and wants the best from everyone,” Suryakumar said. “He brings unmatched energy both on and off the field. You can feel his intensity every time he leads the team.”
Under Kohli, no player could afford to be casual. Every match felt like a battle, and every session demanded effort.
Suryakumar credited Kohli for creating a culture of fitness and professionalism. He said the former India captain’s aggression and discipline made players more accountable.
If Kohli’s captaincy was like a storm of intensity, Rohit Sharma’s is more like a steady breeze. Suryakumar has played under Rohit for years at Mumbai Indians and in the Indian team, and his words reflect warmth and admiration.
“Rohit bhai is someone who makes everyone around him comfortable. His door is open 24/7 for everyone,” he said. “He’s an inspiration for young players – calm, approachable, and always leading by example.”
Rohit’s biggest strength, according to Suryakumar, is his ability to keep things light even in tough situations. He ensures the dressing room doesn’t feel pressure, yet every player knows their role. His leadership is built on trust and simplicity — two things that modern cricket often overlooks.
Suryakumar added that he has learned a lot from Rohit’s man-management skills. Handling players, understanding emotions, and keeping the team together are traits he hopes to adopt in his own captaincy.
“Every captain I’ve played under has taught me something unique. I just try to take the best from all of them,” Suryakumar concluded with a smile.
