Suryakumar Yadav has shared a story that changed how he views Sanju Samson. It happened during the 2026 T20 World Cup. Samson had been struggling with form and was left out of the playing XI. Ishan Kishan was preferred ahead of him because of a strong domestic season. The decision was tough for Suryakumar, who was the captain at the time.
Suryakumar Yadav Praises Sanju Samson’s Team-First Mindset
The two had a conversation on the team bus. Suryakumar told Samson that things were looking difficult. Samson’s response was unexpected. He said he wanted his captain to take whatever call was right to help the team win. He added that he would prepare as if he were playing and would be ready whenever needed. Suryakumar said that response gave him confidence. It showed him that there are selfless people in life.
Samson’s chance came later in the tournament. He grabbed it with both hands. He played three consecutive match-winning knocks in the knockout stages. He scored an unbeaten 97 off 50 balls against the West Indies. He followed it with 89 off 42 balls against England. He then scored another 89 off 46 balls in the final against New Zealand. He finished with 321 runs in five innings and was named Player of the Tournament.
Suryakumar said his respect for Samson grew even higher. He said good things happen to good people. He called Samson a good man. The story is less about runs and averages and more about character and team spirit. Samson also had a productive IPL season, scoring 477 runs in 13 innings. Stories like this deserve as much attention as the boundaries and centuries that make the headlines.
Suryakumar Yadav Admits He Did Not Work Hard Enough in ODIs
Suryakumar Yadav has made a blunt confession about his ODI career. He admitted that he did not work hard enough to succeed in the format. He said he takes full responsibility for his failure. He had a disappointing ODI record. He scored 773 runs in 35 innings at an average of 25.76. He had only four fifties and a highest score of 72 not out. He could not hold his spot in the team.
He said ODI cricket is probably the most difficult format for a batter. He explained that you can be two down for zero if you are batting at number four or four down for 24 if you are at number six. You have to bat almost like in a Test match. You have to see off the bowlers initially and build your innings slowly. You may start at a strike rate of 50 or 75, then take it to 100 and finish at 130 or 140. He said he could not crack how to approach that format.
He admitted that he did not put in as much effort as he should have. He said he did not work hard enough to understand the format. By the time he blinked, 20 to 25 games had gone by. He said he regrets not playing more ODI cricket. He wonders why he could not do better. But he said no one is to blame. He takes the blame himself.
He said he is now preparing with the mindset that he wants to play T20 cricket. He knows how to play that format. He said he does not want to talk about ODI cricket anymore. He tried a lot but did not understand it. He is now focused on what he does best. He is not making excuses for his failures. He is owning them and moving forward.
Suryakumar Yadav Opens Up on His Shock T20I Exit
Suryakumar Yadav was dropped as both player and captain after leading India to the 2026 T20 World Cup title. He said he smiled when he saw his name was missing from the squad. He admitted that he was shocked and disappointed. He had been preparing to lead the team for another two years. He was planning for the Olympics and the next T20 World Cup. The decision came as a complete surprise.
He said he was under the impression that he would take the team forward. India had not lost a series in two years under his captaincy. They had won the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup. He asked why there should be a change when everything was going well. He did not resent the decision because he respects Shreyas Iyer. He said Iyer is a good player and a good captain, but he was disappointed.
He admitted that his IPL form was not as good as he wanted. But he still found it hard to accept the decision. He said he kept thinking about it for one and a half months. He wondered how it could happen. He said friends and family consoled him. But once they left, he was alone with his thoughts.
The selectors called him a few days before the team was announced. They said it was time to move on. They mentioned his IPL performances. Suryakumar said he did not react. He said it is not his forte to argue. He accepted that the person who made the call felt it was best for the team. He said no harm was done.
FAQs
Q. What did Sanju Samson tell Suryakumar Yadav?
A. Samson told Suryakumar to make the best team decision.
Q. Why did Suryakumar struggle in ODI cricket?
A. Suryakumar admitted he did not work hard enough.
Q. Who replaced Suryakumar as India’s T20I captain?
A. Shreyas Iyer replaced him as captain.
Get the Latest Cricket Updates at IceCric.News. Also, Follow Our Social Media for live updates on Facebook and Instagram.
