(Source X)
Indian cricket star Suryakumar Yadav has spoken out about the controversy swirling around his crucial catch of David Miller during the T20 World Cup final, which helped secure India’s victory by seven runs in Bridgetown, Barbados. Addressing the ongoing debate over whether he had touched the boundary line while taking the catch that altered the match’s course, Yadav confidently stated that he had not, emphasizing, “We can’t keep everyone happy.”
Yadav shared his remarks with journalists following a visit to the renowned Sri Hosa Marigudi temple, shortly after his return to India from the triumphant T20 World Cup campaign with Team India.
Answering media questions on the comments claiming he touched the boundary line, Yadav said, “I didn’t touch the line when I caught the ball in the final match against South Africa. We can’t keep everyone happy. I did what occurred to me as correct. By the grace of God, I was there when the ball came towards me. I got a chance to take the catch. I am relishing that moment.”
Suryakumar Yadav stated, “I had practiced many times to take a catch like that one. During the match, my mind was calm. God gave me an opportunity to do well for the country.”
According to sources, Yadav had reportedly made a promise to offer special prayers at the temple following India’s triumphant campaign at the T20 World Cup.
When asked if he said ‘Jai Sriram’ at that moment, he stated, “It was a dream of crores of people and our dream to win the World Cup. At that moment I could think of nothing.”
Answering a question, about chewing gum while batting, Yadav stated, “I like it, whenever I go to bat, I want to play and enjoy the game. That is also a part of my batting.”
Yadav, accompanied by his wife Devisha Shetty, a native of Mangalore in Karnataka, arrived in Udupi city on Tuesday where they were warmly welcomed by the temple management. They were greeted with a garland as a gesture of hospitality.
They participated in a prayer session dedicated to Goddess Sri Mariyamma Devi.
Talking about the temple visit, Yadav said, “Once I got down and entered the temple, I felt good. I experienced absolute peace and it calmed my mind. We will come back here whenever the sacred event is being held. I had visited the temple earlier for a little while. It was before five years.”
“On revisiting the temple after five years, I am feeling good yet again. The first time I came by myself and this time, Kapu temple’s goddess wanted me here. Now, I have come here as a normal person on Devisha’s suggestion,” Yadav stated.
“After seeing the huge turnout of people in Mumbai (to welcome the team), we wanted to spend time in the village and I had to take darshan of goddesses. I have not come here as a celebrity. I don’t even think of myself as a celebrity. Because, after a certain point one has to live a normal person’s life for a long duration,” he opined.
“Whatever you do it becomes part of life. That’s how I think,” he added.
Yadav revealed that he did not have to cut so many cakes as he did this time. “It was special because it fell on the eighth day after I took the catch in the T20 World Cup,” he said.
The temple authorities ensured a smooth visit for the couple, while local police provided special security arrangements around the temple premises.
