E-Paper
Independence Day Special| Suryakumar Yadav talks patriotism, captaining India: There's always a Tiranga in my kit bag
On India's 80th Independence Day today, former WC-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav speaks on the responsibilty he felt leading the country, patriotism and more
Be it in Barbados lifting the T20 World Cup or putting up a masterclass of 117 off 55 balls in England, Indian cricketer and former World Cup-winning captain Suryakumar Yadav has often had to spend days like Independence Day on the road, shores away from home. Yet, SKY, as he is fondly called, has ensured he never misses out on the patriotism: “This is a little secret, wherever I might be in the world, there is always a Tiranga with me. It is in my kit bag,” says Surya
For the 35-year-old, Independence Day holds the same charm now as it did growing up, “As a kid in Mumbai, it was about going to school, being part of the flag hoisting ceremony and feasting on sweets with my friends. Today, if I home, we hoist the flag in the building with family and watch the speech from the Red Fort. If travelling with the team, we do a small celebration at the hotel. The feeling is the same wherever I am and is unmatched.”
Ask him about that one day or moment in which he felt most proud to be an Indian, and he points to two: “The 2024 T20 World Cup final, the crowd in Barbados with Tirangas in hand were all singing for India; we players were crying, as were the Indians in the stands. Just that pure feeling of unity. And then winning the World Cup as Captain at home this year. Many moments make me proud to be an Indian, but on these two days, I felt that we made India proud.”
On leading the nation, Surya adds that captaincy brings a different weight: “When I wear that jersey, I am representing more than 140 crore people. Walking out as Captain, I’m not just Suryakumar Yadav from Chembur—I am carrying the hopes of so many people. It is a huge responsibility, so you must play with respect for the game, the fans, and the opportunity.”
Talking about representing the country in front of the world, Surya says it brings a different weight: “When I walk out wearing the Indian jersey, I am representing 140 crore people. And, when I was leading the nation, I was not just Suryakumar Yadav who lives in Chembur but carried the hopes of a lot of people. You must play with a lot of respect. Respect for the game, fellow Indians and the most importantly for the blessed opportunity.”
Before signing off, Surya shares what Independence Day means for him, “Independence Day to me means a lot of pride and gratitude. The gratitude to every soldier, farmer, teacher, and all the freedom fighters who gave us the India we are living in today.”
