India’s all-rounder Axar Patel said Suryakumar Yadav is a bowlers’ captain after their 43-run win against Sri Lanka in the first T20I at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Pallekele on Saturday. The visitors posted a par score of 213 runs on the board after Charith Asalanka decided to bowl first.

Yadav was leading India for the first time as a full-time skipper and he was able to get the best out of the bowlers. At one stage, Sri Lanka was cruising at 140-1 in 14 overs after the openers – Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis – gave a brisk start to their team, adding 84 off just 52 balls.

However, the Indian team was able to bounce back strongly, taking the last nine wickets for just 30 runs. Axar Patel bowled the match-changing over as he dismissed Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera in the same over to tilt the balance in India’s favor.

Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav led India in the series against South Africa and Australia, winning five out of the seven matches.

“I played in the last Australia series with Surya bhai . I know that he is a bowlers’ captain. He gives you free hand that you decide first,” Axar said at the post-match press conference on Saturday.

“Whenever you get hit, he comes and says that it was a good ball. He keeps giving you inputs. As a player, there is a good bond with him.”

Yadav led India to a 4-1 series win against Australia and Patel admitted there wasn’t much change in leadership style on Saturday.

“As a captain, I have also played with him in the last five matches and when I was playing today, I didn’t feel much change,” he said.

“In the first three overs when we were going for runs, he was telling me that we can do this or do that and how we can take a wicket. There is no problem if a four or six goes in it. As a bowler, you get confidence from that if the captain is backing you and telling you that you can do this.”

The second T20I between the two sides will be played at the same venue on Sunday.