Suryakumar Yadav credits wife Devisha for driving India call-up ambition

Add as a preferred source on Google

Suryakumar Yadav said a blunt question from Devisha in 2018 changed his career. Suryakumar said Devisha’s honest talks pushed harder training and tighter habits.

Eight years after that chat, Suryakumar captained India to a T20 World Cup title defence. Suryakumar said Devisha shaped key choices away from cricket.

Suryakumar said the turning point came after marriage and a team move. Suryakumar said, "We got married in 2016 when I was still playing for KKR. Everything was going very smooth. I was playing well, enjoying and she looked at my journey and my routines till 2018 when I joined Mumbai Indians. I think we started doing things a little differently," during a podcast interview withVideos.

Suryakumar Yadav and Devisha: the 2018 question that changed the plan

Suryakumar said Devisha compared his path with others from age-group cricket. Suryakumar recalled Devisha saying, "She told me that all those who played with you in age group, a lot of them are now playing for India, what do you have in mind? I said: Mujhe bhi India khelna hai I want to play for India too. Kaise kheloge how do you plan to do it?, she asked."

Suryakumar said the exchange stayed calm but made the goal clearer. Suryakumar said, "It was a nice little conversation with her, not an argument but discussion. But yes, it was a discussion about how can you take one extra step forward in your endeavour. If I want to play for India and want to win games for India, how do I do it?" The 35-year-old linked it to later progress.

Suryakumar Yadav and Devisha: lifestyle changes and IPL numbers

Suryakumar said the decision brought strict changes at home and in daily routines. Suryakumar said, "We had to cut down on a lot of things -- from diet, to friends circles to weekends, rest on Saturday-Sunday, Monday to Friday work schedule, so we set the ball rolling and in 2018, I had a very good IPL season 512 runs and also domestic cricket," describing the shift.

Suryakumar said the approach continued through the next seasons with clear returns. Suryakumar said, "That year, I got a chance to open for Mumbai Indians and I got runs too. Come 2019 and 2020, we kept doing the same thing and I was in a different mood. She saw that he has started enjoying even more, 2020 was even better 480 runs as finisher and then in 2021 I got picked for India," he added.

Suryakumar Yadav and Devisha: honesty behind the scenes

Suryakumar said Devisha stayed away from technical cricket matters. Suryakumar said Devisha focused on how to think and act in daily life. Suryakumar said, "She has been a big influence behind the scenes in telling me honest things. If it is your partner, she will always be honest because all she would want is your growth because if you want to grow together, conversations have to be honest."

Suryakumar said that honesty sometimes felt harsh but helped over time. Suryakumar said, "At times, it has been brutal too, but then it has been good. If I am where I am today, those conversations have gone a long way." Suryakumar said the advice was about handling situations and carrying oneself, not batting plans.

Suryakumar Yadav and Devisha: keeping cricket outside the home

Suryakumar said Devisha set simple rules to keep life normal at home. Suryakumar said, "At home, he is not superstar Suryakumar Yadav but just Surya." Suryakumar said Devisha reminded him to stay grounded after matches. Suryakumar said small tasks at home mattered as much as big wins.

Suryakumar said Devisha helped keep focus on growth, discipline, and balance. Suryakumar said, "She told me to not to carry cricket back home. These were all important things that I learnt. You need to stay humble, grounded irrespective of your achievements. At home, you are not Suryakumar Yadav, so be normal. After having food, keep the plate in the sink. These little things that add value to your life."

With inputs from PTI