Next Sunday, September 14, is when Suryakumar Yadav turns 35. It’s a big number in cricketing terms, though the lines have blurred a little in recent times with age no longer as relevant as it once used to be, especially in Indian cricket. This September 14 will be slightly different for the maverick from Mumbai; it’s the first time he will captain the Indian team against Pakistan, at the T20 Asia Cup.

India vs Pak is huge

It won’t be an exaggeration to say that at this stage, it will be his biggest game in charge. That will change as the tournament unfolds and teams get to the business end. That will also change by the T20 World Cup, in India and Sri Lanka next February-March. But given the kind of individual Suryakumar is, it is unlikely that he will be too fazed by the prospect of leading his side out against Pakistan in these somewhat tense and uncertain times.