Star India batter Suryakumar Yadav recently came forward and talked about his relationship with all-rounder Hardik Pandya. With Axar Patel being named India's vice captain, and Pandya being removed from the post, many came forward and talked about the potential dynamic change between T20I skipper Suryakumar and Hardik.

Notably, Pandya will be Suryakumar Yadav's captain when the IPL comes around. However, according to Suryakumar, he has a great relationship with the star India all-rounder.

"The relationship with him has been really great. We've been playing [together] for a really long time. I still remember that from 2018, when I went back to Mumbai Indians [we first played together] and [it's the same] till today. It's just that the added responsibility that I've got [here]. When we go back to franchise cricket, I can get to be quiet and relax for a little bit," Suryakumar was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

"But we've been good friends on the field and we know what we want going forward with the India team. Axar has been given that added responsibility. We saw what he did in the 2024 T20 World Cup, he's been with the team for a very long time. At the same time, Hardik is also part of the leading group. When we sit, we decide what we want to do with the team going forward and even on the field, he is always around. We have a lot of captains on the ground," he added.

I've played under Gambhir for four years, so I know how he works: Suryakumar Yadav

It is worth noting that Suryakumar Yadav took his first steps in T20 cricket under the leadership of Gautam Gambhir at Kolkata Knight Riders. Talking about his relationship with the former India batter, Suryakumar admitted that he has a great relationship with him.

"I've played under Gambhir for four years, so I know how he works. Even without speaking to him, we know what we need to do. He wasn't there on the tour of South Africa since he was preparing with the Test team, but we are moving in the right direction with him. He gives freedom, he allows players to express. He keeps things simple, he knows what is going inside a player's head. He keeps things light and maintains a good atmosphere," Suryakumar said.