'I have to knock down the door': Suryakumar Yadav breaks silence on T20I snub, vows India comeback

India batter Suryakumar Yadav has opened up about his omission from the national T20I squad after leading the team to the 2026 T20 World Cup title. The former India captain admitted that he was disappointed with the selectors' decision but insisted that his hunger to represent the country remained stronger than ever.

Suryakumar's comments came after he made an impressive return to domestic cricket in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy 2026-27. Leading Mumbai in their tournament opener against Hyderabad, the right-handed batter smashed an unbeaten 60 off just 21 deliveries to help his side chase down a target of 173 in just 13.1 overs. Mumbai registered a seven-wicket victory with 41 balls to spare.

The 35-year-old had expected to continue playing for India after the team's T20 World Cup triumph on home soil. However, the Ajit Agarkar-led selection committee decided to move in a different direction, removing him from the captaincy and leaving him out of the T20I squad. Shreyas Iyer subsequently took over the leadership responsibilities.

Speaking after Mumbai's victory, Suryakumar acknowledged that the decision had hurt him but said he understood that the selectors must have had their reasons.

"After winning the World Cup, you naturally think that you will play in India's next series after the IPL. It's not easy to win an ICC event, especially at home, which nobody has done in the past. It felt great to win that tournament. But the selectors must have thought of something to decide [to change captaincy]. But I was definitely disappointed. If you're not sad after such things, how will you turn it into passion? The same hunger that I had to play for India is back now. I want to play for the country again, so I have to knock down the selectors' door," Suryakumar said.

He further explained that making a comeback to the Indian team was his biggest priority and that he had been working on improving different aspects of his game.

"My intent is clear - to make a comeback. When you have that target in mind to play for India, you work in one direction and bat in a disciplined way. I have worked on a lot of things from my mental game to the skills," he added.

Suryakumar Yadav determined to fight his way back into India team

The setback has brought back the same motivation that Suryakumar experienced during his early years while trying to establish himself in the Indian team. The Mumbai batter said he was prepared to work his way back through domestic cricket and earn another opportunity at the international level.

"The same hunger I had earlier to play for India, when I used to score runs after returning to domestic cricket, has come back again. If I want to play for India again, I will have to break the door down once more. All right, let's do it," he said.

Suryakumar also spoke about the support he received from the Mumbai Cricket Association during a difficult period. He was recently appointed captain of the Mumbai side, a responsibility he credited to MCA president Ajinkya Naik.

The batter said the association's decision to back him meant a great deal, especially when he was no longer part of India's T20I plans.

"To stand by me during that difficult period, show support and make me the captain of the state team again — he could have chosen someone else. He had that option, but the responsibility, love and respect he has given me mean a lot. I will always remain grateful and humble for that," Suryakumar said.

Suryakumar Yadav denies sending a message to selectors

Suryakumar's explosive innings against Hyderabad came at a time when the selection committee's decision to leave him out of the Indian squad has attracted considerable attention. However, the batter insisted that his performance was not intended to send a message to the selectors. "It is not about making a statement. I have been batting this way for the last four or five years, and I am enjoying it just as much today. This is an entertainment format, so I want to go out there and express myself freely," he said.

He also reflected on his connection with Mumbai cricket and the role the association played in shaping his career. "When I entered first-class cricket and age-group cricket, the Mumbai Cricket Association supported me a lot. So now it is time to give something back to the association. Whenever I take the field, I play with the same passion," he added.