New Delhi, Aug 29 — From carrying his kit bag on bus and train journeys in the domestic circuit to leading India to T20 World Cup glory, Suryakumar Yadav’s journey is a reminder that sporting careers are not defined by a deadline. Now a two-time T20 World Cup winner, including India’s 2026 triumph under his captaincy, the flamboyant batter is keen to ensure his journey sends a broader message — “age is not a deadline; your preparation is.”
Speaking exclusively to IANS on National Sports Day, Suryakumar Yadav discussed how India’s sporting environment has evolved, highlighted the expanding opportunities for athletes outside cricket, and emphasised the role of cricketers in leveraging their influence to advocate for other sports.
The previous T20I captain, who spent years working through age-group and domestic cricket before making his international debut, advised young athletes to follow their own timelines instead of comparing themselves to others.
He also looked back on the emotional high of winning the World Cup, calling it the best moment of his career so far, while making it clear that he believes there is more to come — with cricket’s return to the Olympics at LA 2028 and another T20 World Cup on the horizon.
For SKY, National Sports Day is about more than celebrating achievements. It is about recognising the journeys, sacrifices and persistence that often occur long before the spotlight arrives.
Here are the excerpts from the conversation: