SKY Celebrates 5 Years in International Cricket with an Emotional Note
New Delhi: India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav took a moment on a special occasion to celebrate completing five years in international cricket. His journey with the national team began on March 14, 2022, when he made his debut against England at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. This is the same ground where, earlier this week, he led India to a historic third victory against New Zealand in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
“Five years ago, a dream came true. Wearing the Indian jersey is a feeling I still cannot fully put into words. Here’s to creating many more memories for Team India,” he wrote on X.
His rise in international cricket was not instantaneous. Unlike some players who get early opportunities, Suryakumar spent years excelling in domestic competitions and the Indian Premier League (IPL) before earning a place in the national team. Once the door opened for him, he made sure to leave an indelible mark.
One of the most memorable moments of his career came during the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, hosted jointly by the United States and West Indies. As a key member of the squad, he played a pivotal role in ending India’s long wait for an ICC global trophy.
Since his debut, the Mumbai-born batsman has established himself as one of the most dangerous players in cricket’s shortest format. In 113 T20 internationals, he has scored 3,272 runs at an average of 36.35, maintaining an exceptional strike rate of 162.94. These numbers are only a glimpse of the flair and unpredictability he brings every time he steps onto the pitch.
His record includes four centuries and 25 half-centuries. Among these, his explosive 117 against England in Nottingham on July 10, 2022, stands out, cementing his reputation as a truly unique and fearless T20 batsman.
Beyond his batting brilliance, Suryakumar has also emerged as a strong captain for India in this format. Leading the side in 52 T20 internationals, he has guided the team to 40 victories, suffering only eight defeats—figures that reflect his calm yet aggressive strategic thinking as a captain.
