Mumbai, November 10 (Daily Kiran) : Surya Kumar Yadav, who recently captained India to victory in the Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, is ready to lead Mumbai in the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Despite facing challenges in recent months due to not securing a spot in the T20 format, he remains optimistic and eager to learn.

Yadav aims to make up for missing the Ranji Trophy team by sharing his insights and experiences with the younger players. He expressed enthusiasm about engaging with them and exchanging ideas, drawing from his 16 years of cricketing experience with both Mumbai and India.

At an event organized by the Mumbai Cricket Association to honor both men’s and women’s teams from the T20 Mumbai League, Yadav stated, “Spending time with these players and representing this association is a joy and an honor for me. I have been part of this environment for the past 16 years, and the energy and passion remain strong. I look forward to continuing this journey, captaining the team this time, and winning the tournament.”

During the “Celebrating with Champions” event, Yadav reflected on the lessons he learned from fellow cricketers on Mumbai’s grounds. He emphasized the importance of discussing strategies for overcoming challenges and progressing together as a team. “Even though I missed the chance to be part of the Ranji Trophy this season, I am confident that good days are ahead in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy,” he added.

The MCA recognized the champions of the T20 Mumbai League Season 4, the Maratha Royals, and the Mumbai Falcons, who won the inaugural Women’s T20 Mumbai League. At 35, Yadav has absorbed valuable lessons at various levels of cricket and hopes to continue this trend.

“I constantly learn from all the players. The team has many young cricketers. They have a platform in domestic cricket that can catch the eye of IPL franchises, which is crucial for their development,” he noted.

Yadav also shared memories from his debut with Mumbai nearly 16 years ago, recalling the senior players like Sachin Tendulkar, Amol Muzumdar, and Ajit Agarkar who inspired him. “When I first entered the dressing room in 2010-11, it was a special moment to have Sachin Sir offer me his spot in the corner. It’s a memory I cherish,” he said.

He acknowledged the significant changes in the game since then and the distinct passion and ambition exhibited by today’s youth. “As I began to take on leadership roles, things started to change. I see a different kind of passion in these young players; they are eager to achieve, build their brand, represent Mumbai at the franchise level, and ultimately, represent India,” he concluded.