New Delhi, 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. As he approaches his 36th birthday in September, Yadav does not see age as a barrier. He believes that preparation always outweighs age.
On National Sports Day, Yadav shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview. He discussed how the sports environment in India has changed, the increasing opportunities for athletes outside cricket, and the role of cricketers in promoting 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 holds immense significance. We represent not just 11 players or a squad of 15; we embody the dreams of approximately 1.4 billion people. 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 cricketers have a responsibility to promote other sports using their influence?
Answer: Absolutely. I am grateful to say that cricket holds a significant place in Indian sports. However, cricket has given us everything because of the love India has shown for the game. Today, when I see athletes from various sports making India proud, I feel it is our responsibility to support them. Whether it’s posting about another sport on social media or sharing an Instagram story, it can draw attention to other sports. We must do this because, ultimately, we are all part of 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 quickly?
Answer: I would advise the youth not to compare themselves to others, as everyone’s journey is unique. I spent a lot of time playing age-group and domestic cricket, traveling by bus and train 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 should choose another path. I think age is not a limit; preparation is what matters. You should keep working on your skills and follow your process, even when no one is watching. If you keep scoring runs, selectors will eventually notice you, and you will be where you need to be.
Question: Prime Minister Narendra Modi often talks about making India a sporting powerhouse. From your perspective as an international athlete, how has the sports environment in India changed in recent years?
Answer: Our Prime Minister has worked tirelessly to make India a sporting powerhouse, and the impact is visible on the ground. When I started playing cricket, there was very little infrastructure, and opportunities were scarce. Today, initiatives like Khelo India, Fit India, and TOPS, along with the emergence of new academies, provide children from both small and large cities access to grounds, coaches, and even funding. This has restored confidence. My parents used to emphasize education, questioning the value of sports. Now, the mindset is 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 view the sport’s development?
Answer: This is a historic moment for our sport. The return of cricket to the Olympics after 128 years is monumental. For us cricketers, winning an Olympic medal will carry a different emotion. You get the chance to stand on the podium for India alongside athletes from various sports.
In the Asian Games, we already experienced this. Sharing the Games Village with other Indian athletes was certainly special. If you ask me, the Olympics will elevate cricket on a global scale. More countries will invest in the sport, making cricket truly global.
Question: What did the World Cup victory mean to you personally? How did it feel? Was it the best moment of your career?
Answer: Describing the night we won the World Cup is challenging. It’s something you dream about as a child—playing for India, winning matches, and lifting the World Cup. When you lift the trophy, it’s not just about 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’s the best moment of my career so far. I hope, and truly want, that the best is yet to come. With the Olympics in 2028 featuring cricket and another T20 World Cup on the horizon, winning the World Cup for India is undoubtedly special, and that feeling stays with you forever.
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