Nagpur is buzzing with anticipation as Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav gears up for a historic moment in the first T20I against New Zealand. This match marks his 100th T20I appearance, making him the fourth Indian player to reach this prestigious milestone.
Having played 99 T20Is so far, Yadav’s journey in the shortest format has been nothing short of remarkable. He joins an elite club featuring Rohit Sharma with 159 matches, Virat Kohli with 125, and Hardik Pandya with 124. MS Dhoni, with 98 games, sits just outside this group. While Rohit and Virat have retired from T20Is, Hardik has a shot at climbing higher, potentially matching Kohli’s tally in this very game.
For SKY, as he’s fondly known, 2025 started on a challenging note. In 22 innings last year, he failed to notch a single half-century, a stark contrast to his explosive reputation. This landmark match offers the perfect stage to rediscover his form with a big score, something the Indian team desperately needs ahead of a packed schedule.
His record against New Zealand speaks volumes. From 2021 to 2023, Yadav smashed 284 runs in eight T20Is at an average of 47.33 and a blistering strike rate of 153.51, including an unbeaten 111—his highest score.
Across 93 innings in 99 T20Is, Yadav has amassed 2,788 runs, featuring four centuries and 21 fifties. Fans are hopeful that his 100th game will be one for the ages, blending personal glory with team success. As the Vidarbha crowd fills the stadium, all eyes are on their captain to deliver a performance that echoes through cricket history.