Cricket often celebrates big scores, towering sixes, and match-winning moments. But every now and then, it is a quiet gesture off the field that leaves the deepest impact. Moments after leading India to a dominant seven-wicket win over New Zealand in the second T20I at Raipur, Suryakumar Yadav offered a touching tribute that quickly captured hearts across social media.
Suryakumar Yadav touches feet of Raghu after India’s win in 2nd T20I
As the cheers echoed around the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Suryakumar bypassed the usual post-match celebrations and walked straight towards the Indian dugout. There, he bent down and touched the feet of throwdown specialist Raghu — a long-serving member of the Indian support staff.
The act was simple, but its meaning ran deep. For Suryakumar, it was a public acknowledgement of a man who stood firmly beside him during a difficult phase in his career. When runs were hard to come by and confidence wavered, Raghu was the constant presence in the nets, tirelessly working on drills and offering reassurance away from the limelight.
The video of the moment, shared shortly after the match, went viral within minutes, drawing praise from fans and former cricketers alike for highlighting the human side of elite sport.
Here’s the video:
#TeamIndia ತಂಡದ ಆಧಾರಸ್ತಂಭಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಒಬ್ಬರಾದ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗ Raghu ಅವರ ಆಶೀರ್ವಾದ ಪಡೆದ Suryakumar Yadav. ವಿನಯವೇ ಯಶಸ್ಸಿನ ಮೊದಲ ಮೆಟ್ಟಿಲು! ❤️🙏
📺 ವೀಕ್ಷಿಸಿ | #INDvNZ 👉 3rd T20I |SUN, 25 JAN, 6:00 PM | ನಿಮ್ಮ Star Sports ಕನ್ನಡ & JioHotstar ನಲ್ಲಿ. pic.twitter.com/uc4FInBz81
— Star Sports Kannada (@StarSportsKan) January 24, 2026
India’s chase built on composure and flair
On the field, India produced a performance to match the emotion of the occasion. Chasing a challenging target of 209, the hosts found themselves under early pressure after losing two wickets inside the first two overs. However, the momentum shifted dramatically once Ishan Kishan joined his captain at the crease.
The duo counter-attacked with authority, blending calculated aggression with smart shot selection. Their partnership not only steadied India’s innings but also took the game away from New Zealand in a matter of overs.
Suryakumar returns to his destructive best
Suryakumar’s unbeaten 82 off just 37 deliveries was vintage SKY — innovative, fearless, and perfectly timed. His innings featured nine crisp boundaries and four towering sixes, each one reinforcing his control over the chase. At the other end, Kishan matched him stroke for stroke, eventually falling for a record-breaking 76.
The 122-run stand between the pair completely dismantled New Zealand’s bowling plans. Even after Kishan’s dismissal, Suryakumar ensured there were no late jitters, calmly guiding India home with a remarkable 28 balls to spare.
Also READ: Irfan Pathan names the perfect batting slot for Suryakumar Yadav ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
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