Suryakumar Yadav, the dynamic Indian cricketer, recently divulged the intriguing story behind his famous nickname ‘SKY.’ According to him, former cricketer Gautam Gambhir bestowed the moniker upon him during their time together at the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the IPL 2014. Additionally, Suryakumar Yadav offered insights into his mesmerizing supla shot.
In a remarkably short period, Suryakumar Yadav has emerged as a linchpin of the Indian cricket team in white-ball formats. His remarkable talent has captivated the cricketing world, with some even likening him to the legendary AB de Villiers, and others going so far as to rate him even higher.
Having made his debut for India across all three formats, Suryakumar Yadav has solidified his position as a regular member of the national team. Currently, he serves as the stand-by player for the ICC World Test Championship and is dedicatedly preparing for the upcoming game in the United Kingdom.
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Fondly referred to as ‘SKY,’ Suryakumar Yadav has dazzled in the IPL as well. His ability to score runs effortlessly all around the park has drawn comparisons to the great AB de Villiers, and some have even hailed him as superior.
During an interaction with the BCCI, Suryakumar Yadav shared the story behind his nickname, revealing that Gautam Gambhir bestowed it upon him. Recalling his early days at KKR, he explained, “I think it came in 2014-15 when I was playing for my franchise KKR. At that time, Gauti bhaiya (Gautam Gambhir) gave me this name because Surya Kumar Yadav was too long for everyone to call, so SKY it became.”
Suryakumar Yadav’s repertoire includes a wide array of unorthodox shots, with one particular stroke garnering attention—the supla shot. This shot, played over the keeper, has become a trademark of his batting style. Suryakumar Yadav revealed that the term originated from tennis cricket and elaborated on his fondness for the stroke. He expressed, “I think this term has come from tennis and cricket. I have seen a lot of it, whether I’m playing or back home. A shot means hitting the ball right behind the wicketkeeper when it’s coming at your head, almost going over their head. It’s something I love.”
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Furthermore, Suryakumar Yadav shared his camaraderie with fellow teammates Ishan Kishan, Mohammed Siraj, Axar Patel, and Ravichandran Ashwin, highlighting the bond they share. His scintillating performances during the IPL 2023, where he amassed over 600 runs, serve as a testament to his exceptional talent and dedication.
As Suryakumar Yadav continues to captivate audiences with his fearless and innovative style of play, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate witnessing his remarkable skills on the international stage. The journey of this rising star and his knack for bringing flair and excitement to the game has undoubtedly solidified his place among the brightest talents in contemporary cricket.