New Delhi [India], May 8: Hold onto your hats, folks, because the rumor mill is churning out some seriously spicy gossip! Brace yourselves as we spill the beans on the latest jaw-dropping team-up that’s set to shake up both the sports and entertainment world.

The face of TIGC, Indian cricket star Suryakumar Yadav, is set to create a stir beyond the pitch. Sources close to him reveal he’s part of a quirky campaign titled “Be Your Own Sky” with the leading fast fashion brand.

The leaked images capture SKY in a never-seen-before avatar, exuding aura and style of a rap star. Sporting in sleek TIGC attire, he appears to channel charismatic energy, hinting at a project that promises to captivate the audience.

The pictures suggest that SKY might be rapping and grooving to a trendy Gen Z beat. Details are scarce, but the hype is real! Everyone’s buzzing about what this epic partnership could bring. Are we about to witness a viral sensation? Could SKY be gearing up to an epic mic  drop beat like never before?

The excitement is off the charts, with fans and gossip lovers eagerly awaiting the big reveal. From potential chart-toppers to viral moments waiting to happen, the possibilities are endless, and the anticipation is sky-high.

Let’s stay tuned to the Instagram handles of SKY and TIGC, and be the first to witness the epic collaboration that’s bound to make waves! See what the cricketing swagger & fashion brand TIGC are up to! 

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Mumbai Indians received a boost with the return of star batsman Suryakumar Yadav to the team camp ahead of their crucial match against Delhi Capitals on Sunday. Suryakumar has been recovering at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru after undergoing ankle surgery earlier this year.

The swashbuckling batsman missed the initial matches of IPL 2024 due to the surgery. However, his inclusion in the camp indicates significant progress in his recovery. While an official confirmation regarding his availability for the Delhi Capitals match is awaited, his presence adds much-needed firepower to the Mumbai Indians batting line-up.

Suryakumar last played a competitive match in December 2023, where he smashed a scintillating century against South Africa in the third T20I at Johannesburg. The injury forced him out of the subsequent series against Afghanistan and put his participation in the upcoming World Cup in jeopardy.

Currently placed at the bottom of the IPL points table after losing their opening three matches, Mumbai Indians desperately need a turnaround in fortunes. Suryakumar's return to form and potential inclusion in the playing eleven could be a turning point for the five-time IPL champions.

New Delhi, Dec 23 (IANS) Suryakumar Yadav is all set to miss the T20I series against Afghanistan due to an ankle injury sustained during the series against South Africa, said reports

The twist of fate could potentially keep him out of action for six weeks, casting a shadow over his immediate participation.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Suryakumar's absence, detailing his rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA).

Sources within the BCCI revealed that the 31-year-old's return would be tested with a stint in the Ranji Trophy for Mumbai in February, serving as a fitness check before the impending Indian Premier League (IPL).

“Surya has reported to NCA for rehab work and the Medical Science team as of now has ruled him injured. He won't be able to play against Afghanistan which starts in three weeks. Since he is unlikely to be selected for Tests, he will possibly play for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy in February to check his fitness before playing in the IPL," a source privy to BCCI told IANS.

With key players like Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya unavailable, the selectors may face a captaincy conundrum.

The speculations around Rohit Sharma potentially leading the side emerged unless the selectors decided to opt for Ravindra Jadeja as a temporary captain. However, Jadeja's workload concerns loomed large with his commitment to all five Tests against England.

Adding to the woes, Ruturaj Gaikwad, who led the squad at the Asian Games, found himself sidelined due to a broken finger, further thinning the available batting options.

The selectors will also face a dilemma over who will be the wicketkeeper as Ishan Kishan withdrew from the South Africa Tests citing "personal reasons," with reports suggesting a prioritization of mental health after a year on the road. Jitesh Sharma was touted as the replacement behind the stumps.

The BCCI, respecting the players' privacy, refrained from prying into Kishan's decision, acknowledging the toll that inconsistent selections can take on a player's mental well-being.

As the team regroups to face Afghanistan, the challenges ahead are not just on the field but also in managing the delicate balance between performance and player well-being in the demanding world of international cricket.

Gqeberha, Dec 13 (IANS) After suffering a five-wicket defeat to South Africa in the second T20I, India skipper Suryakumar Yadav admitted that the Proteas’ batting unit beautifully batted in the first five-six overs of the rain-hit chase, which eventually proved to be match-winning in their favour.

Rain interrupted India’s innings at 180/7 in 19.3 overs, with Suryakumar making a 36-ball 56 and Rinku Singh smashing a career-best 68 not out off 39 balls. After an hour’s rain break, South Africa’s revised target became a stiff 152 in 15 overs at St George’s Park Stadium.

Led by Reeza Hendricks’ 49, South Africa added 54 runs in first five overs and despite India making strikes, it wasn’t enough for the visitors’ to avoid a defeat. India will now aim to equalise with South Africa in the third T20I at Johannesburg on Thursday.

"I think it was a par score, but they batted beautifully in the first five-six overs. That's the brand of cricket we were talking about. The message was loud and clear. It was a little tough ([to bowl), but I told my boys were out of our comfort zone.”

“Mood in the camp is always happy, and full of cheer, because I've said whatever happens on the ground, leave it on the ground. Really looking forward to the third T20I," said Suryakumar after the match ended.

South Africa skipper Aiden Markram conceded rain did help his side and was in praise of Hendricks leading the chase from the front. "Nice start. Great crowd pulled in here. I thought the wicket was initially on the slower side. From the batting point of view, it skid on a bit. The rain helped us a little bit. The bowlers tried hard, and bowled incredibly well. They come up with their own plans.”

“Hendricks has been fantastic. He's adopted a bit of a leadership role in the batting. Ultimately you want to pick form players for the World Cup, so from the selection point of view, there might still be a few places up for grab. That healthy competition means a lot for us."

South Africa’s left-arm wrist spinner Tabraiz Shamsi became the Player of the Match for his economical spell of 1-18 in four overs, becoming a standout performer in a game dominated by the batters. "It's about putting the balls in the right area... to be able to do it against India under pressure is particularly pleasing. SKY's a wonderful player, and he showed it again.”

“The changes Aiden Markram had on the field were brilliant. The positive and nice thing has been that since Rob (Walter, head coach) has come in, he has allowed us to bring our families... you can see that everyone's happy and trying to win games."

Thiruvananthapuram, Nov 25 (IANS) Suryakumar Yadav, the stand-in captain for India’s ongoing T20I series against Australia, admitted that it will take time for the players to get over the six-wicket defeat suffered in the 2023 Men’s ODI World Cup final to Australia, and hailed the motivation coming from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

India were the pre-tournament favourites and won ten straight matches in the competition while playing in front of a passionate home crowd and in familiar conditions. But their invincible run came to an end when they lost to Australia by six wickets in Sunday’s final at Ahmedabad.

"As you all know, it's been 4-5 days since the end of the World Cup. Everyone are disappointed, including us. But the support that we received from our fans in India and abroad was amazing to witness, and I would like to say that at the end of the day, this is a sport and it teaches us a lot, like how to go ahead and move on in life,” said Suryakumar in a video posted by the BCCI.

Following India’s defeat in the final, PM Modi visited the dressing room and met all the players as well as support staff members. “I just want to say that please maintain the support you have given us all the time. As you all saw after the final ended, our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji also met us in the dressing room and motivated us”

“He said, 'it is a sport, and this happens – the ups and downs. You have to take all these things in your stride'. Yes, it will take time to get over and come out of this. But his motivational words and coming to meet all of us for five-six minutes was very big; a leader of the country coming in to the dressing room and motivating the team was huge for all of us,” added Suryakumar.

With the 2024 Men’s T20 World Cup set to be played in West Indies & USA from June 4-30, Suryakumar promised the Indian team will put their best foot forward for clinching the trophy.

“We listened to PM Modi’s words carefully and he also spent time with us. But we will try to play very well in future tournaments. We again have an ICC tournament to come in the next year and we will play in future events with the intensity shown in this World Cup and hopefully, we will win it."

Bridgetown, July 30 (IANS) Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes middle-order batter Suryakumar Yadav could be out of the ODI side if he fails to put on a good show in the upcoming series-deciding match against the West Indies, set to happen at Port of Spain on Tuesday.

Suryakumar has set the world of T20I cricket alight with his 360-degree strokeplay and is currently India’s vice-captain in the format. But he hasn’t found his groove in ODI cricket, especially in the first two ODIs against West Indies.

“I think he’ll get one more opportunity in the third ODI and that’s probably it. Then K.L. (Rahul) and Shreyas Iyer might come in (after recovering from injuries) and he’ll find it difficult to get into the side. The way he bats, he takes very high-risk options. He looks to hit boundaries; sometimes that’s what makes him lose his wicket," Jaffer was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

In the first ODI, he was trapped lbw for 19 in an attempt to sweep left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie. In the second ODI on Saturday, he was dismissed for 24 after cutting straight to backward point off Motie. In 25 ODIs, Suryakumar’s average is just 23.8, including two half-centuries.

Jaffer feels Suryakumar hasn’t been able to develop the patience needed in playing ODIs. 

"In the 50-over format, you need to take the game deep. That’s what Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and even Shikhar Dhawan did.”

“It’s his nature to take risky options. He needs to change that in this format. He can’t keep looking to hit boundaries every second-third ball. We see him do that time and again -- getting a start and throwing his wicket away.”

Jaffer also felt Sanju Samson should have made the chance count of batting at number three in the second ODI, highlighting his struggles against leg-spinners being a cause for concern. Samson wasn’t in playing eleven for the first ODI and in the second ODI, was out for just nine off leg-spinner Yannic Cariah.

“It was a very good opportunity and you got the start. He came in at 90/1 and played himself in. It was a very soft dismissal. It looked like he didn’t pick the leg spin. He was shaping up to play the googly. We keep talking about that in the IPL, he struggles against leg spin and googly bowlers. Looks like it continues to be so."

“When you are batting at the top of the order, you can’t be showing this kind of vulnerability against spin bowling. That question remains and obviously, he lost a very good opportunity,” he concluded.

New Delhi, May 13 (IANS) Mumbai Indians proved to be a challenging hiccup in the Gujarat Titans' bid to seal the top spot in the 2023 IPL standings, with the Indians beating the Titans by 27 runs on Friday evening at the Wankhede stadium in Mumbai.

It was a SKY show as Suryakumar Yadav put on a dazzling display with the bat, scoring 103 runs (49b, 11x4, 6x6) to catapult Mumbai to a total score of 218 runs.

Gujarat's top-order collapse led to the run-chase slipping out of their hands, even with a late burst from Rashid Khan scoring 79 runs (32b, 3x4, 10x6). This win gives Mumbai third place in the standings, bringing them closer to completing their season turnaround and clinching a playoff spot, while Gujarat holds a one-point lead over Chennai at the top of the table.

Yadav stole all the limelight with his sensational innings that led to his maiden century in the IPL. His impact propelled the Mumbai Indians to their fourth win in five matches, leading to JioCinema IPL expert Zaheer Khan showering him with plaudits.

"The Surya which we know is back and getting better and better, especially at a crucial time. This time is going to be the most important for any team in the tournament because you're getting to the business end of the tournament, it's about going to the playoffs and putting your best foot forward. When you have Surya on song like this, anything can happen. Teams will be looking at the MI line-up carefully because he holds the key MI and their season."

The batter affectionately referred to as 'Sky' painted the Mumbai skyline with sixes over the Wankhede Stadium.

Suresh Raina was heavily impressed with Yadav's measure approach to batting on the night, "He plays with the psychology of the bowler. The way he smacked the ball around the ground. Today, he was batting with calmness once again. His approach was good, his intent was good, and look at the results. He hit the ball all around the ground for 103 runs in 49 balls, and he finished it off with his signature celebration."

The Titans had a minuscule chance of pulling this win off after their top-order collapse, but Rashid Khan's late barrage of sixes gave some last-minute entertainment to fans.

Khan praised the standout bowler for delivering with the bat.

"This was an outstanding knock by Rashid Khan. The game was almost well and truly done before he came to bat but he had other plans. This could have been a big win but Rashid Khan was in the way. To me, this is one of the best innings a lower middle-order batter has played in an IPL inning in a very long time. The kind of six-hitting we've seen was phenomenal."

New Delhi, May 10 (IANS) Suryakumar Yadav was at his sensational best once again, smashing 83 (35b) as Mumbai Indians beat Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in Match No. 54 of the IPL 2023 at the Wankhede Stadium on a humid Tuesday night.

Set a challenging 200 for victory, MI stormed home in 16.3 overs and won by six wickets. Nehal Wadhera, too, delivered a superb performance with the bat, hitting an unbeaten 52 off 34 balls. His knock was laced with four boundaries and three sixes. Earlier, RCB had done well to reach 199/6, thanks largely to skipper Faf du Plessis' 65 (41b) and Glenn Maxwell's 68 (33b).

The win took MI to 12 points from 11 games and they now lie in the third place in the 10-team table. On the other hand, RCB are in the 7th place with 10 points from 11 games, and the race to the play-offs is hotting up.

JioCinema IPL expert Zaheer Khan couldn't believe the ease with which Yadav dominated proceedings, saying: "They need to hold his bat from behind or hold his legs, he's been batting like that. There was a tough phase but when he found his rhythm, the good became even better. This will never be good news for the bowlers."

"The way he bats and the way he approaches it, no field placement can help them. Every time I see them play, it seems like the bowlers are trying to bowl outside the off-stump, pack the side with four players, and SKY is still hitting fours and you cannot stop this," added the former India paceman.

This was the third time in IPL history that MI chased down a target of 190 runs or more in under 17 overs, the only team to have ever done so.

Suresh Raina credited the winning culture prevalent in the team for this comeback after a slow start to the season. "Suryakumar Yadav's celebration showed how easily a team can chase down 200 runs. He's in great form and it reminds us that MI know how to chase targets and come back. They've won the trophy five times and they have a match-winner in their locker room every year. Whether it's Tilak Varma, Wadhera, Greene, Tim David, and the biggest is Piyush Chawla. He always bowls in important moments to get MI wickets. This is the reason why they dominate the IPL. Rising from 8th to 3rd in the standings is not something every team can do," said Raina.

Graeme Smith remarked on the impact the two points can have for MI. "We've talked about the importance of two points tonight. MI, I was just thinking, I can't remember them playing a great game this season, but, somehow they found themselves in third position on the log. Tonight's two points were the key. They had to chase 200 and the bowlers looked out of sorts. But tonight, there were a number of positives for them. Catching needs to improve but the second half with the ball is where they won the game. They're a great chasing team, strong batting unit, and they showed their dominance with some excellent performances."

The uncertainties of cricket have led to one of the T20 and white ball stars, Suryakumar Yadav, SKY, as he is popularly called, for his innovative and unconventional stroke play, have the ignominy of scoring three first-ball ducks in a row. Surya has the talent and skill to break out of this bad patch, as have many great players in the past. The Indian Premier League (IPL) will be just the right platform for him to get back into top gear and bury his failed performances against Australia for good.

One of India's most tenacious cricketers, Mohinder Amarnath, went through a similar sequence of no scores as Suryakumar has recently been through. Jimmy, as Mohinder is popularly known, fought his way through this slump and went on to become one of the top batters in world cricket. He was the Man of the Match in both the semis and finals of India's historic World Cup triumph in 1983.

SKY needs to have a tete-a-tete with Mohinder, as a word of advice from India's most courageous and fighting cricketer would help him immensely to get over any mental dilemma that may have arisen.

Cricket can be a cruel game and the Indian cricket team too became a victim of it. India, looked to have got on to an even keel when they were up 2-0 against the powerful Australian side in the Test series. India looked head and shoulders above their opponents, especially in conditions which were ideally suited for them.

Australia showed how nothing in cricket can be taken for granted. Under the captaincy of Steve Smith, having taken over from Pat Cummins who had to return home on a family matter, the team got a second wind of breath. They won the next Test match and drew the last. Even then, one was not fully convinced as to whether the Australians could sustain the onslaught of a star-studded Indian outfit.

The three ODIs were important for both sides because of the World Cup to be held in India later in the year. India showed their prowess by beating Australia in their first encounter. This they just managed, even though they were chasing a small total.

The defeats, thereafter, and losing the ODI series 2-1 to Australia has put a question mark on where India truly stands at present. The Indian side seems to flourish when the going is good, however, they seem to mentally crumble when they are put into a tight spot. This has been their problem for the last 10 years and is the prime reason why they have not won a major championship. The Indian side fails to recover when the chips are down.

The last ODI loss in Chennai was a good example of an Indian team, that looks like one full of individuals rather than one which thinks holistically about reaching their goal as a team. Responsibility is the word that seems to have escaped most of them, as many did get set and got out playing shots that would have made even a school coach reprimand one's brood.

Maybe, the thought of the upcoming IPL was uppermost in their minds and more important than ensuring that the present World's top ODI cricket side, Australia, is sent home with plenty to think about. This, unfortunately, did not happen and Australia, beaming with confidence, feel they have the armoury and sufficient knowledge to do well in India. Confidence has engulfed them and this will carry them through with a very positive mindset when they meet India in the World Test Championship on June 7 at the Oval in London.

In the meanwhile, the Women's Premier League (WPL), has been well-received and successful. This is fabulous for India's women cricketers. However, the pressure of franchise-based cricket has taken a toll on most of them. Having the burden of financial responsibility on their shoulders and the calculation of runs or wickets taken, vis-a-vis one's purchase value has led to disappointing performances from many of the Indian stars.

The WPL has been a very successful platform for several foreign players who seem to enjoy playing in it. Why many of the Indian cricketers have failed is something for one to seriously ponder. Either they were overwhelmed by the aura that surrounded them or were not mentally prepared.

The WPL will, over time, be the ideal setting to unearth India's talented women cricketers and it is a matter of time before one will see Indian cricketers taking centerstage. However, the inaugural one has shown several areas of Indian women's cricket that needs attention. Fitness and fielding are definitely ones that need to be seriously looked at, for improvement.

The final of the WPL at the Mecca of Indian cricket the Cricket Club of India (CCI) at the famous Brabourne Stadium on March 26 should be another historical moment etched into the walls of India's foremost cricket club. An Indian cricketer getting the player of the match would be just what the doctor ordered.

The famous line of one of the legendary Indian cricket commentators and a permanent resident of the CCI, Bobby Ta"yarkhan, comes to min", "Do you get me, Steve?"

(Yajurvindra Singh is a former India cricketer. The views expressed are personal)

New Delhi, March 21 (IANS) Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav needs to be more attentive in the first few balls of his innings, said former captain Aaron Finch while analysing his two dismissals in the ongoing ODI series against Australia.

SKY has had a tough time against Australia in the ODI series. He was dismissed twice by seamer Mitchell Starc in the first ball of his innings, resulting in two golden ducks in two matches.

"Suryakumar got two beauties from Mitchell Starc. But he knows where he would have been bowling, he's got to be sharper than that in the first couple of balls," Finch told Star Sports.

Finch further said that India opener Shubman Gill will be disappointed in himself that he was not able to translate his brilliant form in the ongoing ODI series.

"I think Shubman Gill played a couple of loose shots, which would disappoint him especially after being in such good form. He was caught at backward point to not great deliveries. If you get knocked over as an opening batter by a genuine delivery, you can accept that. But when you get out when you are in such good form, you get so disappointed," said the T20 World Cup-winning captain.

Team India will be playing their final ODI match against Australia in Chennai on Wednesday.