Suryakumar Yadav has admitted that times have been difficult for him since leading India to the T20 World Cup title in March this year. However, he has revealed that he is focused on rediscovering the player he once was.

“See, post the T20 World Cup win, it has been a little difficult. I don't want to run away from that fact. If you are not honest with yourself, it is very difficult to lead a happy life. So, to be very honest, it has been very difficult,” the former India captain said.

After captaining India to the T20 World Cup defense, Suryakumar was dropped from the Indian team. This followed an underwhelming IPL season. However, he said he had now got back on his feet and was rediscovering passion.

“During the IPL, I was blessed with a baby girl in May. So, the focus shifted completely towards her. The last few months, since she was born, have been very beautiful. But the first two months after the IPL were difficult.

“Then I thought, why not go back to thinking about how I was before? How I started my cricket journey, when all I wanted was to play age-group cricket for Mumbai and go on to represent Mumbai in first-class cricket.”

He also revealed that he had a free discussion with his wife Devisha who has motivated him. “I sat down and started discussing all these things with my wife. She said the same thing: I think you need to bring back the love and passion for the game that you had when you were a 15-year-old kid who wanted to represent Mumbai in the Under-15 age group.

“So that's what I started thinking about. And I am following the same approach now that I did 10-15 years ago — training again and pursuing the same passion and love for the game. Everything is back to normal now.

“When you start thinking that way and focus on playing the sport, you want to do well for your team and your family. Things change completely. And that's what I am doing right now,” he said adding, “The main goal is what I used to think about earlier: win games for Mumbai and win the championship for Mumbai.”

Suryakumar was speaking at a glittering function organised by the Mumbai Cricket Association to honour the winners of the T20 Mumbai League 2026 and celebrate the league's growth. The league has added one more team and from next year, it will be a nine-team league in the men's category.

Suryakumar also addressed the youngsters of Mumbai. “See, the end goal, or even the first goal, should never be to play in the IPL. Everyone dreams of playing for India. If you ask any kid playing in the maidans of Bombay cricket right now, they will not say, ‘I want to play in the IPL.’ They will first say, ‘I want to play for Mumbai. I want to represent Mumbai at the age-group level. I want to represent Mumbai in first-class cricket. I want to earn that cap, which is really special.’”

"So that's what I have seen over the last few months, and even the last few years. Whenever I have been part of the Mumbai dressing room, wherever I have got an opportunity — though I didn't get one during this Ranji Trophy season — there have been good times ahead. Going forward, in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, there will definitely be a lot of learning. I am still learning a lot of things from all the players."

"So I would be very happy and privileged to spend time with them and play for this association. I have always been around; I have been here for the last 16 years, and that hunger, energy and passion are still there. I would be very happy to carry on, lead this side and win the tournament."