Suryakumar Yadav has delivered a firm message regarding the importance of domestic cricket, coinciding with discussions surrounding the potential return of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli to the domestic circuit. With India scheduled to face South Africa in a five-match T20I series following their 2-1 ODI series win, Yadav emphasized that domestic cricket keeps players grounded and connected to their roots.
Yadav, the captain of the T20I team, stated that with fewer international fixtures, players now have increased opportunities to participate in local competitions. He believes that playing domestic cricket whenever possible is crucial for a player's development. "Many players go back, stay in touch with the game, and there's always a lot to learn. It's a very important part of their development," he added.
His comments come at a time when Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli are reportedly set to play in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, India's premier domestic one-day tournament. While Rohit Sharma had earlier confirmed his availability, recent reports suggest that Kohli has also agreed to participate. A BCCI official clarified that the decision to play was voluntary and not directed by the board.
Gautam Gambhir, the head coach, has consistently encouraged senior players to participate in domestic cricket during breaks from international duties. This approach was evident when Kohli and Rohit featured in the Ranji Trophy after India's tour in Australia. Gambhir has underlined their value, praising their experience and performance, while expressing hope that the duo will continue to contribute significantly in the 50-over game.
Yadav also highlighted that domestic cricket is beneficial not only for younger players but also for senior players who want to continue improving. He noted that the challenging environment of domestic cricket makes it easier for players when they return to the international stage because of the hard work they put in there. He further added that playing in the domestic circuit helps players stay in touch with the game and learn a lot.
Meanwhile, Hardik Pandya has returned to India's T20I squad after recovering from an injury. He had been out of international cricket since suffering a quadricep injury during the Asia Cup 2025 clash against Sri Lanka. Shubman Gill has also been included, but his participation is subject to medical clearance.
Yadav also addressed the team's strategy for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, emphasizing the importance of maintaining consistency and a clear style of cricket. He made it clear that the team is not looking to experiment with combinations, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching.
Suryakumar Yadav is also close to reaching a milestone in T20Is, as he is just 246 runs away from joining Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in a significant batting record. He is set to make his on-field comeback in the T20I series against South Africa.
