NEW DELHI: Former India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has strongly dismissed a fake statement circulating on social media, urging fans not to fall for misinformation while reiterating his unwavering support for the Indian team despite losing the T20I captaincy.Suryakumar, who led India to the T20 World Cup title before being replaced as captain by Shreyas Iyer and omitted from the squads for the UK tour and the Asian Games, took to X on Tuesday to deny the viral quote attributed to him.The fabricated statement claimed the Mumbai batter was unhappy over a lack of clarity about his future and felt he had not received the respect he deserved after his contributions to Indian cricket.
Suryakumar dismisses fake statement
Setting the record straight, Suryakumar categorically denied making any such remarks.“I’ve also noticed a statement being circulated online that has been falsely attributed to me. I want to make it clear that I have not made or authorised any such statement. Please don’t believe or share unverified information,” Suryakumar posted on X.The star batter also made it clear that there were no hard feelings despite the recent selection decisions.“I’m very happy for the team and wish them nothing but the very best, always. I know the boys are giving it their all, and they will always have my full support. My support for Indian cricket, my teammates, and the game will always speak louder than words falsely attributed to me,” he added, attempting to end the speculation surrounding his future.His clarification came a day after India’s selectors continued their transition plans by naming Shreyas Iyer as captain for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Zimbabwe, while Suryakumar was not included in the squad.
Special message for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi
Suryakumar also reserved special praise for teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who recently scripted history by becoming India’s youngest-ever international cricketer.The 15-year-old made his debut in the second T20I against England at just 15 years and 99 days, surpassing Sachin Tendulkar’s long-standing record.Congratulating the youngster, Suryakumar wrote: “A special word for Vaibhav – you’re at the start of what promises to be a very exciting journey. Enjoy every moment and keep making the country proud.”
Selectors continue youth-first approach
India’s squad for the Zimbabwe series reflected the selectors’ continued emphasis on building for the future.Young pacers Yash Thakur and Ashok Sharma earned maiden T20I call-ups following impressive IPL campaigns, while left-arm spinner Harsh Dubey also received his first T20I selection after recently making his ODI debut.Veteran wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson was another notable omission, with Prabhsimran Singh preferred behind the stumps after an impressive IPL season. Samson had already lost his place in the playing XI to Sooryavanshi during the ongoing England series following a string of low scores.The selectors also recalled Rinku Singh and express pacer Mayank Yadav, while Shivam Dube replaced the injured Nitish Kumar Reddy in India’s ODI squad for the upcoming England series.