India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav praised his Mumbai Indians (MI) teammate Tilak Varma for his century during the clash between India A and India D. Suryakumar Yadav described Tilak Varma’s century in the ongoing Duleep Trophy 2024 as the best birthday present for him. .
Suryakumar celebrated his 34th birthday on Saturday, September 14. The chatty cricketer was named the permanent T20I captain ahead of the Sri Lanka series, which India won 3-0. Yadav will next lead the team in three T20I matches against Bangladesh in October.
Meanwhile, Tilak Varma smashed a brilliant century in the second innings for India A after a disappointing outing in the first innings. The southpaw scored his fifth century in first-class cricket. The left-hander scored an unbeaten 111 off 193 balls as India A declared to bat at 380/3.
Big Comeback Phase After Injury – Suryakumar Yadav praises Tilak Varma
Suryakumar Yadav wrote a sweet note on his Instagram account after Tilak Varman’s century in the ongoing match. Yadav said that Varma has made an impressive comeback after recovering from his injury.
“Best birthday present. Back after injury. Coastal road nice and smooth,” Yadav wrote.
Suryakumar Yadav’s Instagram story for Tilak Varma ❤️ pic.twitter.com/CrHgcixg2D
— CricketGully (@thecricketgully) September 14, 2024
On Day 3, India A started at 115/1 with Pratham Singh at the crease. Tilak Varma came in and added 104 runs in partnership with Pratham Singh who scored 122 runs. After Pratham’s dismissal, Varma formed partnerships with middle-order Riyan Parag and Shashwat Rawat.
India A scored 290 runs in their first innings with half-centuries from Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian. In reply, India D struggled to score runs and were bowled out for just 183. Fast bowler Harshit Rana took four wickets while Khaleel Ahmed and Aaqib Khan took three wickets in the first innings.
T20I Skipper and Mr. 360 with the Bat – Happy Birthday Jay Shah
BCCI Secretary Jay Shah shared a special birthday message for Suryakumar Yadav. Shah wished Yadav future success and best wishes for the coming year. Shah praised Yadav for his leadership and performance, especially after the 3-0 series win against Sri Lanka.
Sharing a post with Suryakumar Yadav on X (formerly Twitter), Jay Shah wrote; “Happy birthday to our T20I captain and Mr. 360 @surya_14kumar with the bat! I am excited to see you lead the Men in Blue to many victories in the shortest format. Best wishes for next year!”
Happy birthday to our T20I captain and Mr. 360 with the bat, @surya_14kumar! I am excited to see you lead the Men in Blue to many victories in the shortest format. Best wishes for the year ahead! pic.twitter.com/i7onMG8Ttt
— Jay Shah (@JayShah) September 14, 2024
Yadav also led India to a 4-1 series win against Australia last year. He captained the team to seven wins in 10 T20I matches. Yadav took over as captain following the retirement of Rohit Sharma after the 2024 T20 World Cup. Hardik Pandya was not considered for the role due to fitness concerns.
SKY scored 2,432 runs in 71 T20Is at a strike rate of 168.65, including four centuries and 20 fifties. He was named the ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year in 2022 and 2023. Yadav was also a key player in the T20 World Cup winning team and caught David Miller in the final against South Africa.
Also read: IND vs BAN: Rohit Sharma favorited by Navdeep Singh; MS Dhoni ignored Virat Kohli
 teammate Tilak Varma for his century during the clash between India A and India D.){kind=link}