The Suryakumar Ashok Yadav era in cricket has been defined by his meticulous and swash-buckling batting, the ‘Mr.360’ persona, and his fielding genius, but now, the chronicle of SKY has a new chapter added: Aapla Surya Dada, the Captain. 

With an unwavering commitment to hard work, a fearless approach, and a distinctive flair for improvisation that adds excitement to the game, Surya has carved his path to fulfil his dream - “Mujhe bahut bada cricket khelna hai (I want to play really big league cricket)” under the guidance of his childhood coach Ashok Aswalkar.

Note: The T20I game under Tied/NR was the abandoned 1st T20I between South Africa and India.

SKY’s first tryst with captaincy came first in 2019 with the Mumbai cricket team against Mizoram in the 2019 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. A low-scoring affair, the then-29-year-old SKY oversaw Mumbai pull off a convincing 10-wicket victory. Between 2019 and 2021, he skipped the side on 16 occasions - with 10 wins and six defeats. His best performance with the bat? A 53-ball unbeaten 94 (11 fours, 4 sixes) to rescue Mumbai from 44/2 to 174/3 against Karnataka in SMAT 2019.

On the back of an exhilarating year in 2023 - 1164 runs in 31 matches at an average of 46.56 and a strike rate of 187.43 - Aapla Surya Dada would get the opportunity to don the captain’s cap for Mumbai Indians. What’s more memorable? The game the then-32-year-old led the team onto the field was ESA Day, a momentous occasion where 19000 young girls from 36 NGOs and 200 special children were present to see their favourite MI stars play against Kolkata Knight Riders on Sunday, April 16, 2023.

Months later, in November 2023, Suryakumar Yadav - already having a fantastic year with the bat, having scored 433 runs in 11 innings, including 1 century and 3 fifties - would be rewarded with the opportunity to captain India in T20Is. And make no mistake, his first assignment wasn’t easy as India hosted Australia for a five-match series. The result? A SKY-led Team India routed the Aussies 4-1.

In the dynamic world of cricket, every captain must have a century to their name, and Surya seized his chance in the third T20I in South Africa in December 2023. His 56-ball century set the stage for a 200-plus finish in the first innings, and his bowling unit - led by Kuldeep Yadav (5/17) - sealed a series-levelling victory spectacularly.

Outside of the T20 format, SKY also had the chance to captain a team in red-ball cricket (Mumbai in the 2014/15 Ranji Trophy). He managed one win in six games.

Suryakumar Yadav being awarded the captaincy duties for India in the upcoming T20I series in Sri Lanka is a blessing and reward for the years of effort, commitment, belief and pride to represent India at any level. As his constant confidante in Devisha Shetty - SKY’s wife - said in a story on her Instagram handle, “THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF YOUR OWN LEGACY”.

We are ready to witness. The Paltan is prepared to witness. So, go in strength Surya and make us and the nation proud as you always have.