Suryakumar Yadav's Comeback: The Power of Friendship and Unseen Support
In the world of cricket, where stadiums roar with applause, there are quieter, more personal stories that shape champions. Suryakumar Yadav's recent resurgence in form is a testament to the invisible hands that guide players through their toughest phases. Behind his success lies a network of friends, family, and dedicated supporters who worked tirelessly to help him rediscover his magic on the field.
The Lean Phase and a Cry for Help
Before the New Zealand series, Suryakumar Yadav was grappling with a mysterious slump, scoring a mere 100 runs in 11 innings. Publicly, he maintained he was "out of runs, not out of form," but privately, doubts crept in. During an open net session, he walked back to the bowling crease and posed a simple yet profound question to his friends: "Why am I not scoring runs?" This moment marked the beginning of a collaborative effort to unravel the mystery of his poor form.
The 'Team Hardwork' WhatsApp Group
At the heart of Suryakumar's comeback is a close-knit group of friends, all club-level cricketers, who form an unofficial think-tank. Ankush Jaiswal, Siddhant Adhatrao, and Parikshit Valsangkar are the core members of this group, originally named 'Team Hardwork' and later renamed 'Probables and Possibles.' They provided candid feedback, analyzed videos, and identified that technically, nothing had changed in Suryakumar's batting. As Adhatrao noted, "Sometimes it happens, and this phase shall pass."
Meticulous Preparation for Opponents
The group's role extended beyond moral support. They meticulously prepared for upcoming tournaments by simulating match conditions. Before the New Zealand series, they scoured Mumbai for net bowlers who could mimic key opponents like Mitchell Santner, Ish Sodhi, and Kyle Jamieson. Jaiswal explained, "We prepared pitches according to conditions, even before the Asia Cup, to replicate Dubai's behavior." This attention to detail ensured Suryakumar was battle-ready for any challenge.
Discipline and Rituals: The Path to Focus
Discipline is a cornerstone of Suryakumar's training regimen. The group enforces strict punctuality; if practice is at 2:30 PM, everyone must arrive by 2:20 PM, with no exceptions. Suryakumar arranges transportation and food for net bowlers, ensuring their needs are met. Interestingly, his car rides now feature spiritual music, particularly the Hanuman Chalisa, a shift from his earlier aversion to such tunes. Adhatrao laughed, "He knows more about gods than we know now."
Beyond Cricket: A Supportive Family Network
Cricket talk is banned off the field within the group, focusing instead on life, investments, and family matters. Another WhatsApp group, 'LOL,' includes the families of Suryakumar's friends, creating a mini-family that celebrates festivals and birthdays together. His wife, Devisha, plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role, keeping him grounded. During his low phase in December, Suryakumar even locked away his kit bag, seeking a mental break until the new year, a decision supported by his loved ones.
The Making of a 360-Degree Player
Suryakumar's journey to becoming a versatile batsman involved relentless practice. Post-2016, he invested in a throwdown machine and dedicated endless sessions to mastering unorthodox shots, earning him the nickname "the Indian version of AB de Villiers." Jaiswal recalled, "He got hit several times, his thigh had marks of red, but he was determined." His success is a result of focused practice and a clear plan, balanced with a light-hearted, joking demeanor off the field.
Giving Back and Staying Humble
Suryakumar's generosity extends to helping others in need. He has provided cricketing gear, used his influence to secure jobs for net bowlers, and never refuses assistance. This humility, combined with the support of his friends and family, keeps him connected to his roots. When he rediscovered his form in the New Zealand T20 series, his friends were unsurprised, knowing it was only a matter of time before he found his sweet spot again.
Every time Suryakumar Yadav walks out to bat, he carries not just his own hopes but the collective dreams and efforts of those who stand behind him. His comeback story is a powerful reminder that in sports, as in life, success is often built on the foundation of unwavering support and shared toil.
