Suryakumar Ashok Yadav’s (SKY) title-winning catch in the T20 World Cup 2024 final between India and South Africa in Barbados, which was termed as a ‘game-changing moment’, left the cricket fans across the globe mesmerised. Yadav’s 83-year-old grandfather, Vikram Singh Yadav, from Hathauda in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghazipur district, who calls himself SKY’s biggest fan, was no exception.
‘I am SKY’s biggest fan’
“I was left stunned, I remember sitting motionless for a while and so did the other family members until the third umpire gave it out in clear terms, and we all cheered in unison. I am Surya’s biggest fan and I think he did a great job. Along with Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, Surya too should be credited for India’s victory in the T20 World Cup as it was Miller’s catch which changed the game and paved way for India’s remarkable win,” said Vikram Singh Yadav, SKY’s grandfather, who called SKY’s catch as the ‘game changing moment’ for the match.
The stunning catch
Yadav’s catch, which dismissed South Africa’s David Miller, was taken in the final over, with South Africa needing 16 runs to win when Miller smashed the ball over the bowler. Miller’s shot seemed destined to fly over the boundary ropes, before Suryakumar intervened and plucked it out of thin air, then juggled it up as he went over the ropes, before managing to hold on to it with his feet millimetres away from the boundary rope.
He said SKY’s catch reflects his agility and presence of mind. “He is my hero,” SKY’s grandfather said while celebrating India’s victory along with the other villagers in Hathauda.
Celebration was in the air
Though the T20 final was played on Saturday, preparations in Hathauda had been underway for a week. The excitement was palpable; some villagers moved their TVs to courtyards to watch together, while others arranged snacks, firecrackers, and sweets. People frequently visited to inquire about Suryakumar and his well-being. When India won the T20 World Cup, the village erupted in celebration.
“Sweets were distributed, firecrackers were burst, dhols were played, and cakes were cut to mark India’s victory. The entire village joined in the festivities, sharing in the joy of the historic win,” he added.
On Team India’s victory, he called Surya’s father, Ashok, to congratulate him. He described the village’s festive atmosphere, saying, “People are dancing, we’ve cut a cake, and celebrated with the village children.” Ashok was delighted to hear about the joyful celebrations, he said.
Where is Suryakumar originally from?
Suryakumar Ashok Yadav, widely known by the initials SKY, is celebrated as one of the greatest T20 batsmen of all time. Born on September 14, 1990, in Bombay (now Mumbai), SKY’s roots trace back to Ghazipur, Uttar Pradesh. His ancestral village is Hathauda, located in Saidpur tehsil. His father, Ashok Kumar Yadav, worked as an engineer at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center in Mumbai, while his grandfather, Vikram Yadav, served as a CRPF inspector.
Raised in Mumbai due to his father’s job, Suryakumar received his primary education at the Atomic Energy Central School and later pursued a B.Com degree from Pillai College of Arts, Commerce and Science. His cricket journey began with his uncle, Vinod Yadav, as his first coach in Varanasi. At the age of 10, he joined a cricket camp in the BARC colony in Mumbai, where he was coached by Ashok Kamat. Suryakumar further honed his skills at the Elf Vengsarkar Academy, run by former international cricketer Dilip Vengsarkar, and played age-group cricket in Mumbai.
On July 7, 2016, Suryakumar married Devisha Shetty, whom he met in 2010 at a college event. Devisha is a trained dancer and dance coach, complementing SKY’s successful cricket career with her own professional achievements.
The catch controversy
However, debate erupted on social media about whether Yadav’s left foot touched the boundary rope before he flicked the ball in the air, with slow-motion replays showing movement at the base of the padding with some speculating the movement came from a puff of grass. Some fans said that if a six had been awarded, the match would have arguably been back on the balance with South Africa needing ten runs from the final five deliveries.
‘Should demonstrate true sportsmanship’
On the catch controversy, SKY’s grandfather said that 3rd umpires are well equipped and are much more experienced than those who are leveling baseless allegations on SKY’s catch and India’s victory. “I believe that people should accept their defeat gracefully and, instead of making baseless allegations, demonstrate true sportsmanship,” he added.
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