As the T20 Mumbai League begins on Wednesday, after six years, India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav believes the tournament will be a huge boost for the cricketers from the city.
“There are a lot of cricketers. I don’t even count the number who play cricket every day in Maidans of Mumbai cricket. This is the best opportunity for them to play in this league, have some good time, and showcase their talent. It’s a great league. I am sure it will be a great step and a big boost for all those cricketers who are participating,” Suryakumar said at the jersey launch event of the Triumph Knights Mumbai North East on Tuesday.
Even though he was busy with the Indian Premier League, Suryakumar, who is the captain and icon player of the team, had regular conversations with the team-mates.
“I had a heartfelt connection with them. I was talking to the boys and the team management, and everyone during the IPL, whenever I got an opportunity. The preparation has been spot on and I am just coming in as a support,” Suryakumar said, adding: “The whole job will be done by them because they have been playing a lot of cricket together as a group. I will be just filling in that spot and backing them…”
Asked about his thoughts on Shubman Gill being appointed the captain of India’s Test side for the five-match Test series against England, Suryakumar said, “It’s a new World Test Championship cycle and they have selected a good team, and I wish them all the best…”