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Suryakumar Yadav credits wife for ending 468-day T20I fifty drought

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav broke his 468-day T20I half-century drought with a blistering 82 runs off 32 balls against New Zealand. He credited his wife's advice to take time at the start of his innings as the key to his successful return to form. Suryakumar also highlighted how a social media break and focused practice improved his mental space ahead of the match. He emphasized that cricket is a team game, playfully noting that India can win even when star performer Abhishek Sharma doesn't score.

Key Points: Suryakumar Yadav ends T20I fifty drought, credits wife's advice

  • Ended 468-day T20I fifty drought
  • Credits wife's vital advice
  • Scored 82 off 32 balls vs NZ
  • Highlights team effort over individual performance
2 min read

2nd T20I: Suryakumar credits wife after ending 468-day T20I fifty drought, says 'have a coach at home'

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav reveals his wife's coaching helped him score his first T20I fifty in 468 days, leading India to a win over New Zealand.

2nd T20I: Suryakumar credits wife after ending 468-day T20I fifty drought, says 'have a coach at home'
"We all have a coach at home, the one you are married to. - Suryakumar Yadav"

Raipur, Jan 24

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav shared that his wife's vital advice enabled him to break free and score his first half-century in 468 days, contributing to India's comfortable seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the second T20I at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Friday.

In a video posted by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Saturday, Ishan Kishan, who was named Player of the Match in the recent game, asked the captain about his slow start to the innings, saying, "They've been calling it a lean patch. As a sportsman, I feel that those who play cricket are aware of the capabilities of the batters. I didn't think it'd be a big deal for you. Was that playing on your mind?"

Suryakumar responded by sharing his wife's advice, saying, "We all have a coach at home, the one you are married to. She keeps telling me to take some time. She has seen it all and can read my mind really well. So I took her advice and played carefully at the start. I took it in the last game, and in this match also."

The 35-year-old also discussed the three-week break and how quitting social media has improved his mental health, helping him achieve the results he wanted.

"I've been telling everyone that I was doing well in nets. But until you score in the matches, you don't feel that confidence. I utilised the 2-3 week gap very well, went home, cut off social media, and practised, which put me in a good mental space. Cricket is a great leveller. It's important to have humility," he said.

The Indian T20I skipper gave Abhishek Sharma, who has been India's top performer over the past year, a playful nudge while emphasising the team's collective effort.

"I also wanted to put an end to the perception that India wins only when Abhishek scores runs. If Ishan scores, then we can win matches. However, Abhishek is one of my favourite batters. I want him to keep scoring in every match. Cricket is a team game; you win when all eleven players contribute," he concluded.

Suryakumar scored 82 off just 32 balls against the Blackcaps, hammering nine fours and four sixes in his innings.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Finally, the SKY we know is back! That innings was pure carnage. 82 off 32 balls is just insane. Taking a break from social media is the best thing any player can do. Too much noise out there.
A
Aditya G
Respect for his humility. "Cricket is a great leveller" – so true. One day you're a hero, the next you're struggling. Glad he's in a good mental space. The team looks balanced.
S
Sarah B
Interesting point about the perception that India only wins when Abhishek Sharma scores. It's good he addressed that. It *is* a team sport, and putting less pressure on one player is healthy.
K
Karthik V
While I'm happy for his comeback, let's be honest, the lean patch was a concern. Hope this form continues into bigger tournaments. We need a consistent SKY for the T20 World Cup.
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Nisha Z
"Coach at home" – love that phrase! It shows how important family is in an athlete's journey. Also, cutting off social media is a brilliant move for mental peace. More players should try it.

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