Cricket

India's T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, renowned for his exceptional performances in the shortest format, harbors a deep-seated desire to excel in red-ball cricket. In a recent interview, he expressed his eagerness to stake a claim in the Test squad.Yadav's passion for the longest format stems from his formative years in Mumbai's maidans, where he honed his skills playing with the red cherry. He has participated in numerous First Class matches over the past decade and cherishes the opportunity to compete in this challenging format."Red-ball cricket has always been my priority," Yadav asserted. "I've played a lot of First Class matches and I still love it. I'm always looking for opportunities to play for Mumbai, whether it's in First Class or tournaments like the Buchi Babu."The Buchi Babu tournament provides Yadav with a valuable platform to prepare for the upcoming Duleep Trophy and, potentially, Test cricket. He believes that the experience of playing multi-day games in challenging conditions is crucial for his development."We don't get many multi-day games back home during this weather," Yadav explained. "But standing in the heat for six hours and doing that three or four days in a row is only possible through a game. That's very important going forward in the Duleep Trophy and, hopefully, in Tests."Yadav acknowledges the intense competition for places in the Indian Test side, but he remains optimistic about his chances. He recognizes that he must earn his spot through consistent performances."There are a lot of people who have worked really hard to earn their place," Yadav said. "I want to earn that spot again. I made my debut for India in Tests, but after that, I got injured. There were a lot of people who got an opportunity and have done well too. They deserve that opportunity right now.""Going forward, if I have to play, then I'll automatically play. That's not in my control. What's in my power right now is to play the Buchi Babu tournament, go on to play Duleep Trophy and then see what happens. But yes, I'm really looking forward. There are 10 Test matches lined up and I'm obviously excited for some red-ball fun."Yadav's determination to succeed in Test cricket is evident in his approach to batting. He understands the need to adapt his style to the demands of the longest format."It's necessary to adapt to the conditions well," Yadav said. "You have to be one step ahead in the challenging longest format and can't bat like how you would in a T20. But at the same time, intent is imperative. Everything else will take care of itself when you play."Yadav also values the opportunity to learn from his teammates, both senior and junior. He believes that there is always something to be gained from observing and interacting with others."I mean, not only Shreyas or Sarfaraz, the learning also comes from players who have not even played a single game for Mumbai till now," Yadav said. "You can observe them during training and there will be small things you grasp that can be added to your own routine.""There is no senior or junior in learning. It's all the same when you play this sport."

Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer, two of India's most promising batters, are set to showcase their red-ball prowess in the upcoming Buchi Babu tournament, starting Tuesday. The tournament serves as a crucial platform for the duo to revive their Test careers and secure a spot in the Indian Test squad.Suryakumar, who recently led India to a T20 series win in his first outing as skipper, is eager to prove his worth in the Test format. His solitary Test appearance came against Australia in February 2023, where he failed to make a significant impact. The Buchi Babu tournament provides him with an opportunity to showcase his red-ball credentials and stake a claim for a place in the Test squad.Shreyas Iyer, who last played a Test in February, is also eyeing a place in the Test team. He has struggled for form in recent matches, averaging a mere 17.00 in 12 innings since January 2023. The Buchi Babu tournament and the upcoming Duleep Trophy, where he will lead Team D, present him with crucial opportunities to regain form and confidence.The Mumbai team, led by Sarfaraz Khan, will face TNCA XI, led by R Sai Kishore, the leading wicket-taker in last season's Ranji Trophy. This match offers players the chance to hone their skills and vie for selection in the Test series against Bangladesh, starting September 19 in Chennai.Top players such as Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant are expected to be available for the Bangladesh series, intensifying competition for spots in the Test squad. The Buchi Babu tournament also acts as a precursor to the Duleep Trophy, starting September 5.Suryakumar's last First-Class outing was in the Duleep Trophy last year, where he scored 71 runs in four innings, averaging 17.75. Both Suryakumar and Iyer are keen to improve upon past performances and secure a place in the Test team for the forthcoming season.

Manu Bhaker and Suryakumar Yadav Engage in Playful Sports SwapIndian shooting sensation Manu Bhaker and star cricketer Suryakumar Yadav recently shared a lighthearted moment on social media, showcasing their playful camaraderie. In a photo posted by Bhaker, the two athletes engaged in a role reversal, with Bhaker posing as a batter and Yadav taking on the role of a pistol shooter.Bhaker, who recently won two medals at the Paris Olympics, captioned the photo, "Learning techniques of a new sport with the Mr. 360 of India! Suryakumar Yadav." The interaction delighted fans, who appreciated the athletes' sense of humor and sportsmanship.Bhaker's impressive performance at the Paris Olympics included two bronze medals – one in the 10m air pistol and another in the 25m air pistol mixed event with partner Sarabjot Singh. Her achievements have solidified her status as one of India's most promising young shooters.Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav has also been making waves in the cricketing world. His game-changing catch in the final of the T20 World Cup against South Africa helped India secure a seven-run victory and the coveted trophy. Yadav's exceptional performance earned him the appointment as India's T20I captain after Rohit Sharma's retirement from the format.The playful interaction between Bhaker and Yadav highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect that exists among athletes from different sports. It also serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished athletes can find joy and inspiration in trying new things and interacting with their peers.

Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer to Feature in Buchi Babu Invitational TournamentIndian Twenty20 International captain Suryakumar Yadav and star batter Shreyas Iyer are set to participate in the prestigious Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, which will commence on August 27 in Coimbatore. The tournament will provide an ideal platform for the duo to hone their skills ahead of the upcoming international season.Suryakumar, who recently led India to a 3-0 series victory over Sri Lanka, has confirmed his participation in the tournament. The flamboyant batter is currently enjoying a brief vacation with his wife, Devisha Shetty. On Wednesday, he shared a photo on Instagram, expressing his eagerness to return to the field.Shreyas Iyer, who has been in impressive form in recent times, will also be available for the match against Jammu and Kashmir. The BCCI has encouraged Indian internationals to participate in domestic matches to maintain their peak fitness and form.The Buchi Babu Tournament is a highly regarded event in the Indian domestic cricket calendar. It will offer Suryakumar and Iyer an opportunity to showcase their abilities and prepare for the challenges ahead.Mumbai, led by Sarfaraz Khan, will be bolstered by the presence of Suryakumar and Iyer. The team's batting lineup is expected to be formidable, increasing their chances of making a significant impact in the tournament.Suryakumar, despite his success in the shorter formats, has expressed his desire to make a mark in Test cricket. The Buchi Babu Tournament will provide him with a valuable opportunity to fine-tune his skills and gain experience in the longer format.The participation of Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament is a testament to the importance of domestic cricket in India. The tournament will serve as a crucial stepping stone for the duo as they prepare for the upcoming international season.

Suryakumar Yadav's Historic Visit to Yankee Stadium: A Bridge Between Cricket and BaseballIndian cricket sensation Suryakumar Yadav made history with his recent visit to the legendary Yankee Stadium in New York City. The T20 captain was honored by Major League Baseball's New York Yankees, becoming the first Indian cricketer to receive such a distinction.Suryakumar, affectionately known as SKY, was presented with a custom Yankees pinstripe jersey bearing his name and number. The stadium, renowned for its rich baseball heritage, welcomed one of India's biggest cricket stars, marking a significant moment in the cross-sport camaraderie between cricket and baseball.Suryakumar's visit came on the heels of his elevation to T20 captaincy, where he led India to a commanding 3-0 series victory against Sri Lanka in his debut series as skipper. This successful start to his leadership alongside new head coach Gautam Gambhir further solidifies his status as a rising star in the cricketing world.As a key player in India's T20 World Cup-winning team, Suryakumar's visit to Yankee Stadium highlights his growing international profile. India played several group stage games in Nassau County during the recently concluded T20 World Cup in the Americas, further strengthening the connection between cricket and baseball in the region.Suryakumar's visit to Yankee Stadium is a testament to the growing popularity of cricket globally and the increasing recognition of Indian cricketers on the international stage. It also serves as a bridge between two of the world's most popular sports, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect between cricket and baseball enthusiasts.

Suryakumar Yadav, India's dynamic T20I captain, remains determined to make his mark in Test cricket despite a prolonged absence from the format. Having played just one Test match in his career, Suryakumar has expressed his desire to represent India in all three formats.To enhance his red-ball credentials, Suryakumar has made himself available for the second half of Mumbai's Buchi Babu Invitational tournament, which runs until August. He will join a young Mumbai squad under the leadership of Sarfaraz Khan, requesting the selectors to maintain the current captaincy arrangement."I want to play for India in all three formats," Suryakumar stated. "Playing in Buchi Babu will give me good practice for the red-ball tournaments this season."Suryakumar's recent success as India's T20I captain, leading the team to a 3-0 series sweep over Sri Lanka, has further fueled his Test aspirations. Despite being omitted from the subsequent ODI series, Suryakumar has a clear path to push for a Test comeback with a series of red-ball matches on the horizon.Following the Buchi Babu tournament, Suryakumar is expected to participate in the Duleep Trophy, a prestigious first-class competition featuring teams selected by the national selectors. His last first-class appearance came in the 2023 Duleep Trophy, where he showcased his batting prowess.Throughout his first-class career, Suryakumar has amassed 5628 runs in 82 matches, averaging 43.62 with 29 fifties and 14 centuries. His impressive record suggests that he possesses the technical ability and temperament to succeed in the demanding Test arena.Suryakumar's determination to break into the Test team is a testament to his versatility and ambition. As he embarks on a series of red-ball matches, the Indian cricket fraternity will eagerly watch his progress, hoping to witness the emergence of a new Test star.

Gautam Gambhir's tenure as India's head coach commenced with a resounding 3-0 series victory over Sri Lanka in the recently concluded Twenty20 International (T20I) series. The Men in Blue, led by newly appointed skipper Suryakumar Yadav, displayed resilience and determination throughout the series, culminating in a thrilling Super Over win in the third and final T20I.Gambhir, who succeeded Rahul Dravid as head coach, has been entrusted with a long-term contract that extends until the end of 2027. His appointment was met with mixed reactions, with some questioning his suitability for the role. However, Gambhir has quickly silenced his critics with a series win in his first assignment.In the post-match dressing room chat, Gambhir lauded Suryakumar's leadership and the team's fighting spirit. He emphasized the importance of consistency and improvement, particularly on pitches that favor spin bowling."Congratulations on a great series win. Congratulations to Surya as well, outstanding captaincy and performance with the bat. I asked for something before the start of the game, and you absolutely delivered it. This is what happens when you keep fighting and don't give up," Gambhir said."These kinds of games happen, and the only way these key games can go in our favor is when we keep fighting for every delivery and every run, and this was a prime example," he added.Gambhir's appointment has sparked a renewed sense of optimism within the Indian cricket fraternity. His experience as a player and his reputation as a tough taskmaster are expected to benefit the team in the long run.However, former India cricketer Joginder Sharma has expressed concerns about Gambhir's longevity as head coach. Sharma believes that Gambhir's uncompromising nature and tendency to make bold decisions may lead to conflicts within the team."Gautam Gambhir is the one to manage the team, but I believe that Gautam Gambhir will not be able to stay for a long time," Sharma said. "This is because Gautam Gambhir has his own decisions. It might happen that he has a disagreement with a player. I am not talking about Virat Kohli. Many times, Gautam Gambhir's decisions are such that others do not like them."Despite these concerns, Gambhir has made a positive start to his tenure as head coach. The team's performance in the Sri Lanka series suggests that they are responding well to his leadership. Only time will tell whether Gambhir can sustain this momentum and guide India to success in major tournaments.

Team India's emphatic 3-0 T20 series sweep against Sri Lanka marked a significant milestone under the leadership of new head coach Gautam Gambhir. The victory was not only a testament to the team's talent but also highlighted a crucial change in team dynamics.Suryakumar Yadav, who captained the side in the absence of Rohit Sharma, revealed that since the T20 World Cup, the players have been instructed to refrain from forming smaller groups and instead sit together as a team. This initiative, according to Yadav, has fostered a stronger bond among the players, which has translated into improved performances on the field."We don't sit together as a team only when we win a game or a series. This trend started during the World Cup, where no matter the result or performance in the game, we used to sit together. We decided that we wouldn't sit in groups of 2 or 3 people but always sit together as a team. The same thing happened during this series. This leads to better bonding between the players and reflects on the ground. It also builds that friendship and ability to stand in support of a fellow member of the team," Yadav explained.However, former India cricketers Ajay Jadeja and Ashish Nehra expressed surprise at Yadav's revelation. Jadeja emphasized that team bonding should occur naturally within a team environment rather than being enforced as a change."That is what you expect in a team sport. I'm just surprised that players are talking about this even today and it has been rather a change in the team that players won't sit in small groups. I don't know, did you not all sit together in previous teams? But again, the captain mentioned that he brought this change, although this is old," Jadeja said.Nehra echoed Jadeja's sentiments, questioning why the management had not implemented this practice earlier. "Didn't he say that this change happened during the World Cup? That happened only a month back. I'm not doubting him, but I'm rather surprised that this has only started now," Nehra remarked.Despite the contrasting views on the team bonding initiative, India's dominant performance against Sri Lanka suggests that it has had a positive impact on the team's cohesion and unity. The team will now turn their attention to the upcoming three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, where they will aim to continue their winning ways.

India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has returned home after leading the team to a series sweep over Sri Lanka. Yadav, who is not part of the ODI leg of the tour, expressed his excitement for the upcoming matches and anticipation for Rohit Sharma's signature one-liners."All the best for ODIs, I will watch the complete series and will wait for your one-liners," Yadav said in a video shared by the BCCI. "I know you will be standing near the stump mic, there are several new guys in the team. Hopefully, we will get to listen to several more one-liners."Yadav's appointment as India's full-time T20I skipper sparked debate before the BCCI announced the white-ball squads for the Sri Lanka tour. However, Yadav's performance in the T20I leg, where India whitewashed Sri Lanka 3-0, silenced the critics.In the final match of the series, Yadav emerged as an unlikely bowling hero. With Sri Lanka needing just six runs to win in the last over, Yadav brought himself on to bowl and picked up two wickets, restricting Sri Lanka to five runs and forcing a 'Super Over' tie-breaker. Yadav's boundary in the 'Super Over' ultimately sealed India's victory.With Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli returning to the squad for the ODIs, India will aim to maintain their winning momentum. The first ODI will be played on Friday at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, followed by the second and third matches on July 4 and 7 at the same venue.