Speaking about the importance of patience in a young cricketer\u2019s journey, Suryakumar urged youngsters not to compare their careers with others, stressing that every player has a unique story and timeline.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI would tell youngsters not to compare themselves with someone else because everyone has a different story and everyone has a different chapter,\u201d Suryakumar told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former Indian skipper drew on his own experience, recalling the years he spent playing age-group and domestic cricket, travelling by bus and train with his kit bag while waiting for his opportunity.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI spent a lot of time playing age-group and domestic cricket, taking those bus journeys and travelling in trains with my kit bag. I kept waiting,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Suryakumar also highlighted the intense pressure in Indian cricket, where young players often feel they must reach the highest level at a very young age.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIn India, most people think that if you don\u2019t make it by 21 or 25, your career is over and you might have to choose a different option,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But for Suryakumar, age should never determine a player\u2019s destiny. \u201cBut I feel age is not a deadline; your preparation is,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Mumbai cricketer advised young players to continue sharpening their skills and to remain committed to their process, particularly when no one is watching.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cYou should just keep working on your skills and follow your process when no one is watching,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
And when it comes to attracting the attention of selectors, Suryakumar believes that performances remain the most powerful calling card.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMaybe someday, if I speak from a cricketing point of view, if you keep scoring runs and let your bat do the talking, the selectors will definitely find you, and you will be where you belong,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
And when it comes to attracting the attention of selectors, Suryakumar believes that performances remain the most powerful calling card.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
For young players worried about falling behind their peers, his advice is clear: there is no expiry date on a dream \u2014 keep preparing, keep scoring, and let the bat make the case.<\/p>\r\n\r\n