The Anchor: His College Sweetheart
The most significant person in Suryakumar's life is his wife, Devisha Shetty. Their story began not on a cricket ground, but in the corridors of Mumbai's R.A. Podar College of Commerce & Economics in 2010. Suryakumar was an aspiring cricketer, and Devisha,
a talented dancer. He was captivated by her grace on the dance floor, and she was drawn to his cricketing skills. After dating for several years, they married in a traditional South Indian ceremony in July 2016. Devisha, a professional dance coach, is often described as Suryakumar's rock and his biggest supporter, frequently travelling with him on tours. He often credits her for bringing balance and mindfulness to his life, particularly during a crucial phase around 2019 when he revamped his fitness and diet, a change that catalysed his rise in international cricket. Devisha also has a philanthropic side, having volunteered for NGOs, and shares her husband's love for animals.
A Foundation of Family
Suryakumar Yadav was born and raised in a middle-class family in Mumbai. His father, Ashok Kumar Yadav, was an engineer at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), and his mother, Swapna Yadav, is a homemaker. These humble beginnings in Chembur instilled a grounded nature in the cricketer, whose family originally hails from Varanasi. He remains deeply connected to his parents, a bond that is permanently etched on his skin. His first-ever tattoo was an ambigram of his parents' names, 'Ashok' and 'Swapna'. He has said this was a strategic move to get their permission for all the other tattoos that would follow. His favorite tattoo is a detailed portrait of his parents on his shoulder.
A Passion for Powerful Machines
Like many elite athletes, Suryakumar has a passion for luxury cars and assembles an impressive collection that mirrors his bold and high-performing style on the field. His garage is a testament to his love for speed, power, and design. Among his prized possessions is a Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG, an iconic luxury SUV known for its raw power and presence. He also owns a sporty BMW 5 Series, an Audi A6, and a family-friendly yet opulent Mercedes-Benz GLS 400d. For a different kind of luxury, he has the Toyota Vellfire, a popular choice among celebrities for its comfort. The collection also features some seriously high-performance machines like a Porsche 911 Turbo S and a rugged Land Rover Defender. This enthusiasm for automobiles showcases a side of him that enjoys the finer things in life, earned through his hard work and success in cricket.
A Canvas of Tattoos
Suryakumar's body is a canvas of his life's story, with numerous tattoos holding deep personal meaning. Close to his heart, he has a tattoo of his wife Devisha's name. He also has an 'evil eye' tattoo on his hand, a suggestion from Devisha who feels he is easily affected by it. A calm lion on his arm represents his own personality, while arrows signify that life's setbacks are merely pulling you back to launch you forward. One unique piece is a Maori-inspired design on his upper arm, which he got after a tour in New Zealand; he was told it brings luck, love, and calmness. Other tattoos include the motivational quote 'Take one step at a time' on his foot and his parents' portrait, which he considers his favourite. This collection of ink offers a window into his beliefs, his relationships, and the principles that guide him.
