When Suryakumar Yadav first donned the India jersey, little did anyone know that they were witnessing the start of one of the most electrifying careers in modern T20 cricket. After five years, SKY took to social media to express his gratitude for a journey that has been nothing short of extraordinary.
It was a journey marked by patience as much as by brilliance. Suryakumar had to wait longer than most for his call-up in India, spending years dominating domestic cricket and the IPL before finally getting his chance on the international stage. But when the opportunity presented itself, he grabbed it with both hands and never looked back.
Read the full article
From late bloomer to becoming The world’s number 1 T20 batter, his story resonates with every cricketer who has ever been told to wait their turn. The Indian dressing room, once a goal he could only dream of, quickly became a stage he owned.
5 years ago, the dream turned into reality. Wearing the India jersey is a feeling I can never quite put into words yet
Here’s to many more memories we’ll make for the team pic.twitter.com/qhis2f44tQ— Surya Kumar Yadav (@surya_14kumar) March 14, 2026
A record that speaks for itself
The Mumbai batsman has since become one of the most feared names in the shortest format of the game. In 113 T20 Internationals, Suryakumar has amassed 3,272 runs at an average of 36.35 and a staggering strike rate of 162.94, figures that tell only half the story of the chaos and brilliance he brings to the crease.
Four centuries and 25 fifties top his record, with a top score of 117 against England at Nottingham on 10 July 2022, an innings that announced him to the world as a batsman truly in a league of his own.
But Suryakumar’s evolution from explosive batter to inspirational leader was perhaps the most remarkable chapter in his Indian story. He has led the team in 52 T20Is, overseeing 40 wins and just 8 losses, a record that speaks volumes for the kind of calm and aggressive intent he brings to the captain’s chair.
From player to champion captain
The crowning glory, however, came on the biggest stage. As a player, he was an integral part of the side that lifted the T20 World Cup in the USA and the West Indies in 2024, India have been waiting for an ICC title for a long time.
And then, as captain, he went one step further, leading the Men in Blue to defend the crown earlier this month and permanently etching his name into Indian cricketing folklore.
This triumph also came with a special footnote that broke the notorious Ahmedabad jinx. This moment summed up everything SKY stands for: fearless, relentless and always delivering when it matters most.
Five years ago, a dream came true. Today, that dream has a World Cup medal, a record captaincy and the admiration of an entire nation that stands behind it. And if his heartfelt post is anything to go by, Suryakumar Yadav is just getting started.
– The end
Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
14 Mar 2026 10:16 IST
