New Delhi

A simple yet direct question from his wife proved to be a defining moment in the career of Suryakumar Yadav, who now leads India as a World Cup-winning captain. Reflecting on his journey, he credited his wife Devisha for being a constant source of honest feedback and motivation.

Back in 2018, Devisha asked him a straightforward question that made him rethink his approach: if he truly wanted to play for India, what was his plan to achieve it?

Recalling the moment during a podcast with PTI Videos, Suryakumar said the conversation, though not confrontational, pushed him to introspect. At the time, many of his contemporaries from age-group cricket had already made it to the national side, prompting him to reassess his own ambitions and efforts.

Married in 2016 while he was playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, Suryakumar said life was comfortable initially. However, things began to change after he joined the Mumbai Indians in 2018, when he and Devisha decided to adopt a more disciplined lifestyle to chase his dream.

He spoke about making significant changes — from diet and social life to daily routines — as they committed to a more focused path. The results soon followed, with a strong IPL season in 2018 where he scored over 500 runs, along with consistent performances in domestic cricket.

The following years saw steady progress. He continued performing well in 2019 and 2020, eventually earning his India call-up in 2021.

Suryakumar emphasised that while his wife never interfered in technical cricketing matters, her influence off the field was invaluable. Her honest and sometimes “brutal” feedback, he said, helped him grow not just as a cricketer but as a person.

He also highlighted how she helped him maintain balance in life, encouraging him to stay grounded and leave cricket-related pressures outside the home. At home, he said, he is not the star cricketer but simply “Surya.”

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According to him, these small but meaningful lessons — humility, discipline, and clarity — have played a crucial role in shaping his journey and success.