India’s white-ball star attends Wimbledon, names tennis idols and draws parallels between cricket and tennis
India’s T20 sensation Suryakumar Yadav swapped cricket whites for a suit and tie this week as he made his maiden appearance at the iconic Wimbledon Championships. The 33-year-old batter, celebrated for his 360-degree strokeplay, was clearly in awe of Centre Court — and had no hesitation in picking his dream doubles partner: MS Dhoni, reportedtimesofindia.indiatimes.com.
“Definitely, MS Dhoni,” said Surya. “He’s got speed, endurance, and a rock-solid mind — plus, he plays a lot of tennis these days.”
This was Suryakumar’s first-ever visit to the All England Club. Describing it as a “surreal experience,” he admitted being a long-time tennis enthusiast.
“I’ve watched a lot on TV, but being here in person is on another level,” he said, dressed in a sharp suit — a look he credited to his wife’s styling
When asked about his all-time tennis favourites, Surya named Novak Djokovic, calling him an inspiration. “I read his book Serve to Win, and it really motivated me. His journey and mental strength really resonated with me.” He also listed Carlos Alcaraz as his current favourite for his bold game, and called Pete Sampras and Roger Federer his childhood Wimbledon icons.
Cricket and tennis: not so different, says SKY
Suryakumar also reflected on the similarities between elite cricket and top-level tennis. “Both require high endurance and incredible mental strength. In cricket, we sprint 20-25 metres constantly — tennis demands that same intensity,” he noted.
Currently not part of India’s ongoing Test tour of England, Surya will return to action in September during the Asia Cup.
