While 2025 has been a challenging year statistically for Yadav, he is on the verge of becoming the third Indian to score 3,000 T20I runs.
Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav emphasised the value of individuality in sports on Sunday, revealing that his journey was fueled by a desire to craft a unique identity, eventually leading to the creation of his iconic "Supla Shot."
The "Supla" Signature
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Speaking at the 9th convocation of GLS University in Ahmedabad, the 35-year-old batter shared how he consciously sought to deviate from traditional techniques when he first took up the sport.
"When I started playing cricket, I wanted to do something different. I wanted to invent my own shot, which would be a trademark, and people will remember me with it," Yadav said. He explained that the mastery of the stroke came from mental rehearsals and relentless practice. "I kept practising them and playing them over and over in my mind... so that I was always ready during the game. After I played that shot, I never looked back."
The "Supla Shot"—a high-velocity ramp played over the wicketkeeper or fine leg—has become a cornerstone of his T20 success. By utilising his wrists to redirect the ball's pace, Yadav has turned short behind-the-wicket boundaries, common in T20I and IPL venues, into a scoring haven.
Chasing Form and Milestones
Despite his status as an innovator, 2025 has been a statistically difficult year for the Indian skipper. Yadav has managed just 218 runs in 21 appearances this year, averaging 13.62 with a strike rate of 123.16—figures well below the "Mr. 360" standards he set upon his international debut.
However, as India prepares for a home series against New Zealand and the upcoming T20 World Cup, Yadav stands on the precipice of history. He currently has 2,788 runs in 99 T20Is; scoring another 212 runs would make him only the third Indian to reach the 3,000-run milestone in the format, joining legends Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli.
Looking Ahead
The BCCI has confirmed a 15-member squad for the upcoming assignments, with Yadav leading a side that includes a mix of experienced power-hitters and emerging talent.
India Squad: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.
With inputs from ANI
Published: 21 Dec 2025, 09:34 am IST
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