‘I always wanted to be a bit different,’ Suryakumar says of his thirst for innovation in batting. Be it his signature pick-up flick over fine-leg or his stupendous ability to carve yorkers over the ropes.
| Full Name Suryakumar Ashok Yadav | Born September 14, 1990, Mumbai, Maharashtra | Age 34y 214d |
| Batting Style Right hand Bat | Bowling Style Right arm Medium, Right arm Offbreak | Playing Role Batter |
Team
Suryakumar Yadav player profile
Suryakumar Yadav – The Modern-Day Cricket Maestro
Suryakumar Yadav, fondly known as SKY , is one of the most dynamic and innovative cricketers in the modern game. With his fearless strokeplay, unmatched improvisation, and ability to dominate bowlers across formats, he has carved a niche for himself as a trailblazer in international and domestic cricket. His journey from Mumbai’s bustling cricketing circuit to becoming India’s T20I captain is a story of grit, perseverance, and sheer talent.
Early Life and Domestic Career
Born on September 14, 1990 , in Mumbai, Suryakumar was introduced to cricket at a young age under the guidance of his paternal uncle. He later trained at the prestigious Elf Vengsarkar Academy , where his raw talent was polished into a refined skillset.
- Ranji Trophy Debut (2010–11):
SKY announced his arrival by top-scoring with a composed 73 in Mumbai’s first innings against Delhi. - Breakthrough Season (2011–12):
He amassed 754 runs in 9 matches , finishing as Mumbai’s highest run-scorer and earning the MA Chidambaram Trophy for Best Under-22 Cricketer.
His early years were marked by consistency and adaptability, traits that would define his career.
Indian Premier League (IPL) – A Star is Born
The IPL became the platform where Suryakumar’s genius truly unfolded.
- Kolkata Knight Riders (2014–2017):
SKY emerged as a reliable finisher, playing crucial cameos lower down the order. He was an integral part of KKR’s 2014 title-winning campaign , featuring in every single game. - Mumbai Indians (2018–Present):
Re-signed by MI in 2018, SKY transformed into the team’s batting linchpin.- 2018: Finished as MI’s highest run-scorer with 512 runs at a strike rate of 133.33 .
- 2019–2020: Played a key role in Mumbai’s back-to-back IPL titles, consistently delivering match-winning performances.
- 2023: Scored 605 runs in 16 games , leading the run charts for MI yet again.
SKY’s ability to play unorthodox shots, coupled with his calmness under pressure, has made him one of the most sought-after players in the IPL.
International Career – The Rise of a Global Superstar
Suryakumar’s international debut came in March 2021 , and he wasted no time in announcing himself to the world.
- Debut Series vs England:
SKY hit the first ball he faced for a six , en route to a stunning maiden fifty. It was a glimpse of what was to come. - Breakthrough Year (2022):
- Smashed three T20I centuries :
- Against England at Trent Bridge (his first).
- In New Zealand.
- Against Sri Lanka in Rajkot.
- Finished as the 3rd highest run-scorer at the 2022 T20 World Cup , showcasing his ability to perform on the biggest stage.
- Awarded ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2022 , a testament to his dominance in the format.
- Smashed three T20I centuries :
- 2024 T20 World Cup Triumph:
SKY’s defining moment came in the final against South Africa, where he took a breathtaking catch on the long-off boundary to dismiss David Miller, sealing India’s victory. Post the tournament, he was appointed as India’s T20I captain , succeeding Rohit Sharma.
Under his leadership, India achieved series wins against Sri Lanka , South Africa , and England , ushering in a new era of fearless cricket with young talents like Abhishek Sharma and Tilak Varma thriving under his guidance.
Playing Style – The Art of 360-Degree Batting
Suryakumar Yadav is often compared to legends like AB de Villiers for his ability to play shots all around the ground. His signature lap shots , reverse sweeps , and improvised scoops defy conventional coaching manuals, making him a nightmare for bowlers.
- Known for his calm demeanor and quick reflexes , SKY thrives in high-pressure situations, often turning the tide in his team’s favor.
- His strike rate in T20Is exceeds 170 , a staggering figure that highlights his explosive batting prowess.
Legacy and Impact
Suryakumar Yadav is more than just a cricketer; he is a game-changer who has redefined modern batting. His ability to make the impossible look routine has earned him admiration from fans and experts alike.
- Records and Achievements:
- Fastest Indian to score 1,000 T20I runs .
- Only player to hit three T20I centuries in a calendar year (2022).
- ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year 2022.
- Beyond his stats, SKY’s leadership and mentorship have inspired a new generation of cricketers, ensuring his legacy extends beyond the field.
Why SKY Stands Out
Suryakumar Yadav is not just a batsman; he is an artist who paints masterpieces on the cricket field. Whether it’s his audacious strokeplay, his knack for delivering in crunch moments, or his humility off the field, SKY embodies the spirit of modern cricket.
From his humble beginnings in Mumbai to becoming a global superstar, Suryakumar Yadav’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, self-belief, and innovation. As he continues to lead India in the T20 format, the cricketing world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the SKY saga—a chapter that promises more brilliance, more records, and more unforgettable moments.
Suryakumar Yadav Career Stats
Batting & Fielding
| Format | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 1 | 1 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 8.00 | 20 | 40.00 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| ODIs | 37 | 35 | 5 | 773 | 72* | 25.76 | 736 | 105.02 | 0 | 4 | 80 | 19 | 17 | 0 |
| T20Is | 83 | 79 | 11 | 2598 | 117 | 38.20 | 1555 | 167.07 | 4 | 21 | 237 | 146 | 50 | 0 |
| FC | 86 | 144 | 8 | 5758 | 200 | 42.33 | 8981 | 64.11 | 14 | 30 | 817 | 60 | 109 | 0 |
| List A | 144 | 130 | 18 | 3665 | 134* | 32.72 | 3520 | 104.11 | 3 | 21 | 362 | 108 | 78 | 0 |
| T20s | 315 | 291 | 54 | 8142 | 117 | 34.35 | 5355 | 152.04 | 6 | 55 | 815 | 352 | 156 | 0 |
Bowling
| Format | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 1 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| ODIs | 37 | 1 | 12 | 17 | 0 | – | – | – | 8.50 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20Is | 83 | 1 | 6 | 5 | 2 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2.50 | 5.00 | 3.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| FC | 86 | 50 | 1154 | 550 | 24 | 4/47 | 4/47 | 22.91 | 2.85 | 48.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| List A | 144 | 18 | 442 | 395 | 6 | 2/20 | 2/20 | 65.83 | 5.36 | 73.6 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| T20s | 315 | 11 | 138 | 145 | 8 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 18.12 | 6.30 | 17.2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Suryakumar Yadav T20 Stats
Batting & Fielding
| Tournament | Teams | Mat | Inns | NO | Runs | HS | Ave | BF | SR | 100s | 50s | 4s | 6s | Ct | St |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL | 2 teams | 156 | 141 | 24 | 3833 | 103* | 32.76 | 2633 | 145.57 | 2 | 25 | 410 | 140 | 69 | 0 |
| Champions League | 2 teams | 8 | 6 | 3 | 123 | 43* | 41.00 | 79 | 155.69 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 7 | 3 | 0 |
Bowling
| Tournament | Teams | Mat | Inns | Balls | Runs | Wkts | BBI | BBM | Ave | Econ | SR | 4w | 5w | 10w |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPL | 2 teams | 156 | 1 | 6 | 8 | 0 | – | – | – | 8.00 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Champions League | 2 teams | 8 | 2 | 24 | 28 | 0 | – | – | – | 7.00 | – | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Debut/Last Matches of Suryakumar Yadav
Test Matches
Only
India vs Australia at Nagpur – February 09 – 11, 2023
Suryakumar ODI Matches
Debut
Sri Lanka vs India at Colombo (RPS) – July 18, 2021
Last
India vs Australia at Ahmedabad – November 19, 2023
Suryakumar T20 International Matches
Debut
India vs England at Ahmedabad – March 14, 2021
Last
India vs England at Wankhede – February 02, 2025
FC Matches
Debut
Mumbai vs Delhi at Delhi – December 15 – 18, 2010
Last
Vidarbha vs Mumbai at Nagpur – February 17 – 21, 2025
List A Matches
Debut
Mumbai vs Gujarat at Ahmedabad – February 11, 2010
Last
Saurashtra vs Mumbai at Ahmedabad – January 05, 2025
T20 Matches
Debut
Mumbai vs Hyderabad at Indore – March 13, 2010
Last
MI vs DC at Delhi – April 13, 2025
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