'God has given you a huge gift of talent': Sachin Tendulkar sings praises of India star

Earning praises from Indian batting maestro Sachin Tendulkar is no less than a blessing from God for any cricketer. The legendary batter keenly follows the game despite retiring from it in November 2013.

3 things you need to know

• Sachin Tendulkar is always among the first ones to back the Indian team 
• Indian team stormed into the Asia Cup 2023 final after defeating Sri Lanka
• India ended Sri Lanka's 13-match winning streak in ODI cricket 

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Tendulkar extended birthday wishes to Suryakumar Yadav, who turned 33 on September 14, 2023. Taking to 'X' (formerly known as Twitter), the master blaster said: "Happy birthday, @surya_14kumar. God has given you a huge gift of talent, continue aiming for the SKY."

Suryakumar made headlines with his impressive form throughout 2022. He attained the world number one rank in ICC T20I batting charts and continues to hold the pole position. The right-hander went onto play at the T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia before finishing the year as the highest T20I run-getter with 1164 runs.

Although he has been able to display notable performances in ODIs, Suryakumar's ability to bat in the middle overs and his 360-degree shots were sufficient for the Indian team management to pick him for the 2023 Asia Cup and provisional World Cup squads. 

Suryakumar yet to play in Asia Cup 2023 

He has not played a single match in India's Asia Cup campaign, but managed to contribute to the team's success with his brilliant piece of fielding. Maheesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage's partnership was soaring during the India vs Sri Lanka Super 4 match in Colombo. 

But Suryakumar's fantastic catch at mid-on not only dismissed Theekshana, but helped India make a comeback in the match. India went onto beat Sri Lanka by 41 runs and storm in the Asia Cup 2023 final, where they will face either Pakistan or Sri Lanka on September 17.

Suryakumar, while talking to Kuldeep Yadav in a BCCI video, explained his contribution as a fielder, saying: "As you (Kuldeep) said, it's always motivating when you play for India and even when I am not in the XI, I try to work hard and ensure that I do my best whether I get the opportunity. I work towards making at least one important run out or catch when I am in as a substitute fielder and we worked hard for that in the fielding sessions."