‘Papa is my Superman': Suryakumar Yadav mixes love, laughs, and life lessons in heartfelt farewell speech for his father

Time of India

5 days ago

Suryakumar Yadav, India's T20I captain and Mumbai Indians' top fantasy scorer in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League, is going viral — but not for another match-winning knock. This time, it's a heartfelt moment off the field. His father, Ashok Kumar Yadav, recently retired after a long and distinguished career as a scientist at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC). At the retirement ceremony, the cricketer delivered an emotional speech that's now touching hearts across social media.
Suryakumar Yadav's emotional tribute to father at BARC retirement wins hearts
Looking dashing in a formal shirt and trousers, Suryakumar Yadav looked visibly emotional as he celebrated a special milestone in his father's life. Despite the whirlwind pace of IPL 2025 and his role as one of Mumbai Indians' key players, the dynamic batter made it a point to be there for his father's big day.
In true SKY style, Suryakumar Yadav's speech was the perfect mix of heart and humour. Speaking for the whole family—including his mom, sister, and wife Devisha—he promised his dad that retirement wasn't the end, just the start of his 'second innings' at home, filled with love, laughter, and maybe a few surprise serenades.
'They were playing some beautiful videos on the screen. I didn't even know he could sing so well! I've never seen him sing,' he said, lightheartedly. 'But clearly, when my sister and I weren't around, he must've sung some lovely songs for my mother.'
He added, 'Now you've got all the time in the world to entertain Mum. They say every beautiful journey must come to an end. Yours has been nothing short of a fairytale. And though this chapter is ending, I promise—we'll do our best to make your second innings just as magical.'
'Papa is my Superman': SKY's emotional tribute to his father
He didn't hold back when talking about the man behind his success. Reflecting on his cricketing journey, he credited his father, as his real-life superhero.
"There's always that one figure who shows you how to live, learn, and never give up. For me, that's my papa," said Suryakumar. "He packed my tiffin, dropped me off at school to keep me from bunking, and even came to college to make sure I didn't scale the walls and vanish. He's been there—always."
Suryakumar Yadav Giving beautiful speech on his father retirement day.🩵 pic.twitter.com/hl345SPMZq
'Aao let's go home': SKY
One of the qualities that stood out most for Suryakumar was how his father never brought work stress home, despite working at one of India's top scientific institutions. That, he said, is something he tries to model in his own high-pressure career.
"No matter how his day went, he never let it show at home. That balance is something I deeply respect and try to follow," he shared.
"My mother, who has been his constant support, finally gets him all to herself. I just want to say one thing: Aao, let's go back home," he concluded.
'You've knocked it out of the park': SKY's farewell note to his father
On Wednesday, May 28, Suryakumar Yadav shared a heartfelt note and photos from the farewell ceremony, celebrating his father's remarkable journey. He wrote, 'To my first and forever hero, role model, life manual, and guide… one important innings comes to an end, and as always, you've knocked it out of the park in every role you played.'
Calling him 'a simple man who left no stone unturned to give us an extraordinary life,' Suryakumar added, 'Today, let us tell you just how proud we are of you and everything you've achieved. Time to gear up for your next innings, Dad — this one's going to be a bit more relaxed.'
Meanwhile, on the cricket front, Suryakumar Yadav is set to return to action for Mumbai Indians in their upcoming match, the eliminator, against Gujarat Titans on June 1.
To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.