‘I did not make or authorize any such statement’: Suryakumar Yadav breaks silence on viral fake quote

Suryakumar Yadav (PTI Photo) NEW DELHI: Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav strongly rejected false statements doing the rounds on social media and urged fans not to fall prey to misinformation while reiterating his unwavering support for the Indian team despite losing the T20I captaincy.Suryakumar, who led India to the T20 World Cup title before being replaced as captain by Shreyas Iyer and left out of the squads for the UK tour and Asian Games, attended X on Tuesday to deny the viral quote attributed to him.The fabricated statement claimed that the Mumbai batsman was unhappy with the lack of clarity over his future and felt he had not been given the respect he deserved following his contributions to Indian cricket.

Suryakumar denies the false statement

Suryakumar set the record straight and categorically denied any such remarks.“Also, I have noticed that a statement falsely attributed to me is circulating on the internet. I want to make it clear that I have not made or endorsed any such statement. Please do not believe or share unverified information,” Suryakumar wrote on X.The star batsman also made it clear that there were no hard feelings despite the recent selection decisions.“I am very happy for the team and wish them the best always. I know the boys are giving it their all and will always have my full support. My support for Indian cricket, my teammates and the game will always speak louder than words falsely attributed to me,” he added in an attempt to end speculation surrounding his future.His clarification came a day after the Indian selectors went ahead with their transition plans and named Shreyas Iyer as captain for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe while Suryakumar was not part of the squad.

A special message for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

Suryakumar also reserved special praise for teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who recently scripted the script by becoming India’s youngest international cricketer.The 15-year-old made his debut in the second T20I against England at just 15 years and 99 days, breaking Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record.Congratulating the youngster, Suryakumar wrote, “A special word for Vaibhav – you are at the start of what promises to be a very exciting journey. Enjoy every moment and continue to make the country proud.”

The selectors continue to take a youth-first approach

India’s squad for the Zimbabwe series reflected the selectors’ continued emphasis on building for the future.Young pacers Yash Thakur and Ashok Sharma earned their first T20I call-ups after impressive IPL campaigns, while left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey also earned his first T20I selection after making his ODI debut recently.Another notable omission was veteran wicketkeeper Sanju Samson, with Prabhsimran Singh preferred behind the stumps after an impressive IPL season. Samson has already lost his place in the playing eleven to Sooryavanshi during the ongoing England series after a run of low scores.The selectors also recalled Rinka Singh and express pacer Mayank Yadav, while Shivam Dube replaced the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming England series.