Mumbai, August 29: Surya Kumar Yadav, who led the Indian cricket team to victory in the T20 World Cup 2026, is currently working hard on his fitness and form to make a comeback to the team. As he approaches his 36th birthday in September, Yadav does not consider his age a barrier, believing that preparation outweighs age.
On National Sports Day, Yadav shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview, discussing how the sports environment in India has changed, the increasing opportunities for athletes outside cricket, and the role of cricketers in supporting other sports. Here are some highlights from the conversation:
Question: National Sports Day celebrates India’s sporting spirit. What does this day personally mean to you as a representative of world cricket?
Answer: Wearing the Indian team jersey means a lot from a cricket perspective. We represent not just 11 players or 15 in the squad; we represent nearly 1.4 billion dreams. National Sports Day reminds me that whenever we step onto the field, we carry the spirit of our entire nation.
Question: Cricket dominates sports in India. Do you think it’s the responsibility of cricketers to promote other sports using their influence?
Answer: Absolutely. I am grateful to say that cricket has a significant presence in Indian sports. However, cricket has given us everything because India has shown immense love for the game. Today, when I see athletes from different sports making India proud like cricketers, I feel it is our responsibility too. Whether it’s posting about another sport on social media or sharing an Instagram story, it can draw attention to other sports. We should definitely do this because, in the end, we are all Team India.
Question: Your journey to international cricket was not an overnight success. What would you say to young people who feel they are running out of time because they haven’t succeeded early?
Answer: I would tell the youth not to compare themselves to others, as everyone’s story is different. I spent a lot of time playing age-group and domestic cricket, traveling by bus, and taking trains with my kit bag. I kept waiting. In India, many believe that if you haven’t succeeded by 21 or 25, your career is over, and you must choose another option. I think age is not a limit; preparation is what matters. You just need to keep working on your skills and follow your process when no one is watching. Perhaps one day, if you keep scoring runs and working with your bat, selectors will find you, and you will be where you need to be.
Question: Prime Minister Narendra Modi often speaks about making India a sports powerhouse. From your perspective as an international athlete, how has the sports environment in India changed in recent years?
Answer: Our Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked hard to make India a sports powerhouse, and the impact is visible on the ground. When I started playing cricket, there was very little infrastructure, so opportunities were scarce. Today, with initiatives like Khelo India, Fit India, and TOPS, along with the emergence of new academies, children from both small and large cities can access grounds, coaches, and now funding as well. The confidence has returned. My parents used to tell me to focus on studies, questioning the value of sports. Now, the mindset is completely changing. Everyone acknowledges that there is a career in sports.
Question: With cricket’s inclusion in the Asian Games and its return to the Olympics in LA 2028, how do you see the sport’s development?
Answer: This is a historic moment for our sport. The return of cricket to the Olympics after 128 years in LA 2028 is significant. For us cricketers, winning an Olympic medal will carry a different emotion, I am sure. You get the opportunity to stand on the podium for India alongside athletes from different sports.
Question: What did winning the World Cup mean to you personally? Was that the best moment of your career?
Answer: It is difficult to put into words the night we won the World Cup. You dream about it as a child—when you play street cricket, you think about winning matches for India, playing for India, and lifting the World Cup for India. When you lift the World Cup, it is not just your journey; it reminds you of every coach who scolded you, every friend who helped carry your kit bag, and every family member who prayed for you. You could say it is the best moment of my career so far. I hope, and I truly want, the best is yet to come. The Olympics in 2028 will feature cricket, and another T20 World Cup is coming in 2028. For any Indian cricketer, winning the World Cup for India is certainly special, and that feeling stays with you forever.
My name is Ganpat Singh Choughan. I am an experienced content writer with 8 years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Udaipur Kiran & Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.