IPL 2025: This Mumbai Indians star recalls having sleepless nights before making IPL debut

Known today as one of the most explosive batters in T20 cricket, Suryakumar Yadav, fondly called SKY, has become a symbol of innovation and consistency in the format. Whether donning the blue of the Mumbai Indians or representing India on the world stage, his 360-degree strokeplay leaves bowlers bewildered. But long before the records and accolades, SKY was a young man battling nerves before his big moment.

The Night Before the Dream

Speaking recently about his early IPL days, Suryakumar reflected on his debut for Mumbai Indians in 2012, a match played against the now-defunct Pune Warriors India at the Wankhede Stadium.

“I barely slept the night before my debut, I was awake until 4 or 5 in the morning,” he recalled. “There was so much excitement. Playing for a franchise like the Mumbai Indians comes with a special kind of energy. I remember stepping onto the ground for the warm-up and already sweating buckets. It just felt incredible.”

Also Read: How does Suryakumar Yadav manage to play his incredible brand of scoop shots?

Patience, Pressure, and Persistence

SKY also spoke about the emotional highs and lows of waiting for his opportunity. “You work hard and wait, but it’s natural to wonder — when will it happen? I’ve learnt that putting too much pressure on yourself can backfire. You’ve just got to enjoy the game, stay grounded, and keep working if things don’t go your way,” he said, crediting domestic cricket for shaping that mindset.

A Journey of Grit and Glory

Suryakumar’s path wasn’t linear. After a brief stint with the Mumbai Indians, he was released and picked by the Kolkata Knight Riders, where he played two seasons. But it was in 2018, when MI brought him back, that his real transformation began. Since then, he has become a cornerstone of their batting line-up.

With over 4,000 IPL runs, including 2 centuries and 27 fifties across 160 matches, Suryakumar continues to shine. In IPL 2025, he has already amassed 427 runs, underlining his value yet again.