Cricket

Suryakumar Yadav reflects on post-World Cup challenges and Mumbai captaincy return

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Nov 10, 2026, 22:51 IST

After a difficult period following India's 2026 T20 World Cup victory, Suryakumar Yadav is refocusing his career as he prepares to lead Mumbai in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

Suryakumar Yadav reflects on post-World Cup challenges and Mumbai captaincy return

Suryakumar Yadav has opened up about the challenging months that followed India's 2026 T20 World Cup triumph, admitting that being dropped from the national side was a difficult experience. The 36-year-old, who captained India to a memorable final victory over New Zealand in Ahmedabad last March, found himself out of the squad for the subsequent tours of Ireland and England following a lean run of form.

Despite the professional setbacks, the veteran batter described the period as a mix of adversity and personal joy. The birth of his daughter on May 7, during the IPL season, provided a significant shift in perspective. Speaking at an event in Mumbai, Yadav acknowledged the necessity of honesty in navigating his career, noting that while the initial months away from the national team were tough, his focus on family helped him find a new sense of balance.

Rediscovering Passion and Domestic Leadership

To navigate his way back to form, Yadav turned to his roots, engaging in candid conversations with his wife, Devisha Shetty. These discussions prompted him to reconnect with the same passion he possessed as a 15-year-old aspiring cricketer. By returning to the training habits and mindset of his early career, he believes he has successfully regained his love for the sport, focusing now on contributing to his team and family.

This renewed focus comes at a pivotal time, as Yadav has been appointed captain of the Mumbai squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, which commences on November 14. With the team set to play their league matches in Kolkata, his primary objective is clear: to secure the championship title for Mumbai. He emphasized that his goal is to win games for his state, a sentiment that mirrors his early ambitions in the sport.

Mentoring the Next Generation

Reflecting on his long association with Mumbai cricket, which spans 16 years, Yadav shared fond memories of his early days in the dressing room, including a gesture from Sachin Tendulkar who once offered him his own seat. Now, as a senior figure, he is eager to foster a similar environment for the next generation. He has made it a point to keep his door open for young players, encouraging them to discuss the nuances of the game and how to handle various match situations.

Yadav also offered advice to young cricketers, urging them to prioritize representing Mumbai and India over the immediate allure of the IPL. He stressed that domestic success remains the most prestigious path to national recognition. As he prepares to lead Mumbai in the upcoming tournament, he remains committed to guiding the younger members of the squad, aiming to leverage his experience to help them grow both individually and as a team.