Indian batting star Suryakumar Yadav recently opened up about a pivotal moment early in his international career when then-skipper Virat Kohli played a crucial role in shaping his journey with Team India. In a heartfelt revelation, Suryakumar credited Kohli for giving him a major opportunity by offering him the coveted No. 3 spot in India’s batting order during the early stages of his national team stint in 2021.
Speaking about the conversation that changed everything for him, Suryakumar said, “When I picked for India in 2021, Virat Kohli is the one who said, ‘Would you like to bat at No. 3?’ I said, ‘Yes, why not? I would love to bat at 3.’ He said, ‘Thik hai, ja khel 3 number par’ (Okay, go and play at No. 3).” That simple but powerful gesture from Kohli would go on to define the trajectory of Suryakumar’s international career.
At a time when Suryakumar was just breaking into the Indian team after years of consistent domestic and IPL performances, being offered a top-order slot was both a vote of confidence and a significant responsibility. The No. 3 position in Indian cricket has historically been occupied by some of the biggest names, and to be entrusted with it by Kohli himself meant that the team saw immense potential in him.
Suryakumar, popularly known as SKY, made an instant impact. His fearless approach, innovative strokeplay, and adaptability allowed him to flourish in that role. While the T20 format had often seen batters express themselves freely, Suryakumar’s brand of cricket stood out because of his ability to play unconventional yet effective shots with confidence and composure.
His performances from that point on spoke volumes. Whether it was anchoring the innings, accelerating when needed, or taking on the best bowlers in the world, Suryakumar thrived in the position Kohli trusted him with. The freedom he was given and the backing he received from the leadership group helped him blossom into one of India’s most dangerous T20 batters.
This story also highlights the leadership qualities of Virat Kohli, known not just for his aggressive batting but also for his ability to nurture talent. Kohli’s belief in young players and his proactive role in giving them responsibility has been evident throughout his tenure as captain. His simple gesture of offering SKY the No. 3 spot and giving him the green light to play his natural game made a lasting impact.
Suryakumar’s journey since then has been nothing short of inspiring. From being a consistent IPL performer to becoming a mainstay in India’s T20 setup, he has shown that with the right support and the right mindset, talent can shine at the highest level. And at the root of that journey lies a captain’s trust and a young cricketer’s readiness to seize the moment.
As Indian cricket moves forward with a blend of youth and experience, stories like these serve as reminders of the little moments that help build careers and define legacies. For Suryakumar Yadav, that moment came in 2021, and it began with Virat Kohli’s simple but powerful words: “Thik hai, ja khel 3 number par.”
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