Struggled a lot to join the Indian team, Suryakumar said – even talking to friends…

Suryakumar Yadav, one of India’s finest T20 cricketers, recently opened up about his journey to success, emphasizing the importance of quality practice and a disciplined lifestyle. Known for his elegant stroke play and dependable performances, Suryakumar has become a vital part of the Indian cricket team, especially in the shortest format. His cricketing journey has been marked by perseverance and self-reflection, which he candidly shared during an episode of the popular talk show ‘Who is the Boss’, hosted by former Indian bowler Harbhajan Singh and his wife Geeta Basra. Suryakumar appeared on the show alongside his wife, Devisha Shetty, who has played a crucial role in supporting him through mental pressures and career challenges.

Suryakumar’s professional cricket career took off when he joined the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL), though he also had a stint with Kolkata Knight Riders. In 2018, he returned to Mumbai Indians and steadily built his reputation as a consistent performer. Making his T20 international debut for India in March 2021 at the age of 30, Suryakumar’s rise to prominence was not instant. It was the result of years of hard work, self-discipline, and the unwavering support of those around him. Today, he proudly leads the Indian blue jersey in the T20 format, showcasing his talent on the global stage.

On the talk show, Suryakumar reflected on the turning points in his career, particularly highlighting the year 2016. He recalled a phase when he was content with his life and cricketing achievements but gradually realized that reaching the highest level required more than just talent. “I was scoring runs, yet I kept thinking why I was not getting a place in the Indian team,” he said. This realization pushed him to rethink his approach. He credited his wife Devisha for bringing a transformative influence in his life at that critical juncture.

Suryakumar explained how he consciously decided to change his lifestyle to align with his ambitions. “I reduced my circle of friends. Stopped hanging out till late at night and partying on weekends,” he shared. He emphasized focusing on quality practice sessions and leading a disciplined life as key factors behind his growth. “The 2018 season went well. Then 2019 went even better, and 2020 was like icing on the cake. The graph started climbing from 2018 itself because the door was not opening on its own, so we broke it together.” This statement underlines how both personal determination and the right support system contributed to his eventual breakthrough.

Devisha, in her turn, talked about the supportive role she played in helping Suryakumar maintain his focus and motivation. However, she humbly declined to take sole credit for his success. “When we got married, he had this feeling that he wanted to go further. He wanted to do something big. But that desire was not as strong as it should have been,” she said. Devisha noticed that Suryakumar lacked the consistent push needed to reach his potential. “I saw that no one was giving him that slight push that he needed. Fun with friends is good. But it should not become an obstacle in your work. It took me a year to explain this to him.” This candid admission highlights the delicate balance between personal life and professional ambition, and how a supportive partner can help navigate it.

Their conversation sheds light on the often unseen struggles athletes face beyond the limelight—mental pressure, self-doubt, and the need for discipline. Suryakumar’s journey is a testament to how talent combined with focused effort and the right environment can eventually lead to success. It also shows that behind every sportsperson’s achievements, there is often a personal story of sacrifice, encouragement, and growth.

In summary, Suryakumar Yadav’s story is one of resilience and transformation. By narrowing his social circle, prioritizing disciplined training, and leaning on the encouragement of his wife Devisha, he managed to turn his aspirations into reality. His example inspires many young athletes who face similar hurdles, reminding them that success is often a gradual process requiring patience, self-control, and the support of loved ones. Today, as he shines for India in T20 cricket, Suryakumar embodies the rewards of hard work and a well-balanced life dedicated to the sport he loves.