As Wimbledon continues to dazzle with its star-studded guest list, another familiar face from the world of cricket has made his way into the Royal Box. India’s T20 captain, Suryakumar Yadav, took in the electric atmosphere of Centre Court for the very first time — and it was an experience he won’t soon forget.

Speaking to Star Sports and JioCinema, Suryakumar opened up about his admiration for tennis, the surreal thrill of being at the prestigious tournament, and the unexpected ways the sport has crossed paths with his own cricketing journey.

A Dream Come True at Wimbledon

“This is my first time here, and I wanted everything to be just right,” Surya shared. “I watch a lot of tennis on TV and have always heard about how magical it feels to walk into Centre Court. I’m finally here to experience that for myself.”

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Wimbledon (@wimbledon)

Looking sharp and clearly enjoying the moment, Suryakumar credited his wife for helping him prepare for the occasion. “Honestly, my wife really takes care of me. She’s been helping me figure out what to wear for the past few days,” he added with a smile. “So many people come here to soak in the atmosphere — I’m just one of them.”

Who’s His Ideal Tennis Partner? No Surprise There

In a light-hearted moment, Suryakumar was asked which cricketer he would choose as a doubles partner on the tennis court. His answer came without hesitation.

“Oh my god, shouldn’t be difficult — definitely MS Dhoni,” he said with a grin. “He’s got speed, a lot of endurance, and he’s mentally very tough. Recently, I’ve noticed that whenever he’s not playing cricket, he’s out there on the tennis court.”

Sky talks about @msdhoni at Wimbledon. pic.twitter.com/2gC4QRVkfL

— ` (@WorshipDhoni) July 11, 2025

It wasn’t just a flattering comment — it was backed up by facts.

MS Dhoni: More Than Just a Cricketer

While most fans know MS Dhoni as one of India’s greatest cricket captains, his love for tennis is no secret. In fact, he’s more than just a casual player.

Back in 2022, Dhoni teamed up with Sumeet Kumar Bajaj to clinch the doubles title at the JSCA Tennis Championship held in Ranchi. The event, hosted by the Country Cricket Club, saw the former skipper show off his athletic prowess on the court — a side of him fans rarely see.

Finally 🥹#hattrick 2018 🏆 2019 🏆 2022 🏆

Thank you so much MS Dhoni Sir❣️#msdhoni #dhoni #msd #thala #seven #tennis #tournament pic.twitter.com/h22jtya9Si

— Sumeet Kumar Bajaj (@SumeetKumar1711) November 16, 2022

This wasn’t a one-off victory either. Dhoni and Bajaj had previously played and won together on three separate occasions. And even as far back as 2018, Dhoni had secured a tournament win, cementing his reputation as a formidable presence on the tennis court.

These days, he’s often spotted practicing at the JSCA International Stadium Complex, effortlessly shifting gears between sports — a testament to his enduring fitness and competitive spirit.

Cricket or Tennis — Dhoni’s Still Got It

As Suryakumar put it, “He’s in practice right now and can hit the ground running.” That’s not just admiration — it’s a reflection of the respect Dhoni commands across generations of Indian cricketers.