Suryakumar has no problem playing under 'good friend' Pandya in IPL

Pandya, who recently lost his India vice-captaincy role to Axar Patel, will captain Mumbai in the IPL season beginning in March.

Suryakumar, who became India captain following the retirement of Rohith Sharma from the T20Is, said his relationship with Pandya "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," said Suryakumar, speaking ahead of India's first T20I against England in Kolkata.

"It's just that the added responsibility that I've got [with India]. When we go back to franchise cricket, I can get to be quiet and relax for a little bit.

"But we've been good friends on the field and we know what we want going forward with the India team."

Pandya had taken over from Suryakumar as the Mumbai captain last year.

KolkataGearing for the #INDvENG T20I series opener #TeamIndia | @IDFCFIRSTBank pic.twitter.com/ocvsS4Y4R3

— BCCI (@BCCI) January 20, 2025

India and England will play five T20Is followed by three ODIs. All-rounder Axar was named Suryakumar's deputy when the squad was announced earlier this month.

"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," Suryakumar said.

"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."

Though India have struggled in Tests since Gautam Gambhir took charge as coach last year, they have won T20I series against Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and South Africa and will hope to keep their good run going against visitors England.

"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," the India captain said of the coach.

"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."