New Delhi, August 29, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has urged young cricketers waiting for their breakthrough to remain patient, keep working on their skills and allow their performances to speak for themselves.
Speaking to IANS, Suryakumar advised youngsters against comparing their careers with those of other players, stressing that every cricketer follows a different path and timeline.
“I would tell youngsters not to compare themselves with someone else because everyone has a different story and everyone has a different chapter,” he said.
Drawing from his own journey, Suryakumar recalled spending several years in age-group and domestic cricket, travelling by bus and train with his kit bag while waiting for an opportunity at the highest level.
“I spent a lot of time playing age-group and domestic cricket, taking those bus journeys and travelling in trains with my kit bag. I kept waiting,” he said.
The Mumbai batter also acknowledged the pressure faced by young cricketers in India, where there is often a perception that players must break into the top level at an early age.
“In India, most people think that if you don’t make it by 21 or 25, your career is over and you might have to choose a different option,” he said.
However, Suryakumar believes age should not dictate a player’s ambitions.
“But I feel age is not a deadline; your preparation is,” he said.
He encouraged aspiring cricketers to remain committed to improving their skills and following their process, particularly during periods when their efforts may go unnoticed.
“You should just keep working on your skills and follow your process when no one is watching,” he said.
On the best way for players to attract the attention of selectors, Suryakumar said consistent performances remain the most effective route.
“Maybe someday, if I speak from a cricketing point of view, if you keep scoring runs and let your bat do the talking, the selectors will definitely find you, and you will be where you belong,” he said.
Suryakumar’s message carries added weight given his own journey, as he spent years in domestic cricket before earning his India opportunity and subsequently establishing himself as one of the leading T20 batters in world cricket.
For youngsters concerned about falling behind their peers, his advice is straightforward: stay patient, keep preparing and let performances make the case.
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