Could MS Dhoni Be Suryakumar Yadav's Ideal Tennis Doubles Partner?

New Delhi, July 11 (NationPress) The captain of India’s T20I team, Suryakumar Yadav, who graced Wimbledon with his presence, has made an intriguing choice for his tennis doubles partner, selecting the former Indian cricket captain MS Dhoni due to his remarkable endurance and mental resilience.

Suryakumar attended the esteemed grass court tournament at the All England Club alongside his wife, Devisha Shetty, marking their first experience at Wimbledon. The event's official social media even featured a snapshot of the couple, stating: “Bringing the flair to SW19. Delighted to have you at Wimbledon, Suryakumar Yadav!”

“I frequently watch tennis on television and have always been captivated by the atmosphere surrounding Centre Court, especially upon entering. Experiencing that surreal feeling firsthand is something I am thrilled about,” Suryakumar expressed during an interview with Star Sports and JioHotstar.

When asked which cricketer he would prefer as a doubles partner, he confidently stated, “Without a doubt, it would be MS Dhoni. He possesses speed, exceptional endurance, and incredible mental toughness; I’ve noticed that when he’s not engaged in cricket, he often plays tennis. So yes, my choice is unequivocally MS Dhoni.”

Reflecting on his inaugural visit to Wimbledon and the inspiration behind his attire, he remarked, “This is my first experience here, and I aimed to get everything just right. Honestly, my wife has been a great support, assisting me in selecting the perfect outfit for this prestigious tournament. It’s wonderful to see so many people here; I’m just one of them, eager to soak in the experience.”

Moreover, he expressed his excitement to witness Novak Djokovic play, mentioning, “I have followed his career closely for quite some time. I even read his book, ‘Serve to Win,’ which inspired me significantly. Although I made my international cricket debut later in life, I found common ground with his journey and persistence. His ongoing determination is phenomenal.”

He also highlighted his admiration for Pete Sampras and Roger Federer, naming them as his favorite tennis players, past and present. “Specifically at Wimbledon, Pete Sampras and Roger Federer are unforgettable. The crowd's excitement was palpable whenever they appeared here. However, my all-time favorite remains Novak Djokovic, and currently, I would say Carlos Alcaraz is making waves on the court,” Suryakumar concluded.

The 34-year-old emphasized the similarities between tennis and cricket, stating, “There are numerous parallels between elite tennis and cricket. Mental toughness is vital in both sports, along with the element of endurance. In cricket, we often sprint the same 20-25 meters repeatedly, much like in tennis. Therefore, I believe strong mental resolve and endurance are significant shared factors,” Suryakumar concluded.