Mayank Yadav and Nitish Reddy Highlight Suryakumar Yadav's Biggest Quality As India's T20I Captain

India had a field day yesterday when they faced off against Bangladesh in the first of three T20Is. India were led by batter Suryakumar Yadav who led India to their win. The team featured a lot of young stars who played key roles in getting India a thumping win during the first T20. As for young pacer Mayank Yadav, it was his debut for India as he managed to get the wicket of Mahmudullah. After the match, youngsters Nitish Rana and Mayank Yadav had a lot of kind words for their captain Suryakumar Yadav. 

Youngsters Call Surya A Calm Captain 

Mayank Yadav and Nitish Kumar Reddy were expectedly nervous ahead of their India debut in the first T20 International against Bangladesh here but the newcomers said skipper Suryakumar Yadav helped them stay calm with his comforting words.

Mayank, the 21-year-old pace sensation, made his debut here on Sunday after recovering from a recurring abdominal strain after playing only four matches in this year's IPL . He impressed in the first match returning with figures of 1/21 from his four overs. 

Read More: Hardik Pandya Smashes Virat Kohli's Record During IND vs BAN T20I

Nitish, also 21, also made instant impact by remaining unbeaten on 16 off 15 balls, to help India register a commanding seven-wicket win in the series-opener.

"He (Suryakumar) gives you freedom. When I was taking the run up, he was telling me 'do what you feel, what you feel best'. So that's very important for any fast bowler, specially when you making your debut," Mayank told BCCI.TV.

Nitish added: "He is very calm and cool. He is doing fabulous captaincy, not giving any pressure to us. We were debutants, obviously we will have nervousness and pressure. He gave that license to us. Any youngster would like to get it from the captain." Talking about his debut after the long injury layoff, Mayank became emotional. 

Read More: Sanath Jayasuriya Appointed Sri Lanka Cricket Coach on Two-Year Contract

"It's a great moment because I am coming from an injury. I was a bit nervous, like I was telling myself don't stress yourself.

"When I got to know I am going to play my first match, making my debut, complete flashback of last four months came in front of my eyes," he said. 

Mayank Yadav Kick Off Career With Maiden Over 

The speedster started his international career with a maiden over on Sunday and credited bowling coach Morne Morkel for shaping him.

"It felt good. I was not like thinking that I am going to bowl a maiden over. Just wanted to live in that moment, enjoy that moment," Mayank said.

"It's very comfortable for me, I am with him (Morkel) for the last three years. I know him, he knows me very well. So, it's very easy for me to work with him. He knows which things are better for me." Nitish too was satisfied with his debut performance, saying it was a dream-come-true moment for him.

"For any cricketer in India it's a big moment. Playing for Indian cricket team is a dream-come-true moment. Obviously, there was nervousness but I enjoyed that. It was a very proud moment for me and my family as well," he said.

"There are senior players and I got a lot of experience as well from the coaching staff. Even in bowling as well getting some keen points. I love this kind of atmosphere in the dressing room." The second T20 of the three-match series will be played in New Delhi on Wednesday. 

(With PTI Inputs)