"Toys in My Wardrobe": Suryakumar Yadav's Heartwarming Reveal on Fatherhood
From diapers in his wardrobe to walking the ramp, Suryakumar Yadav opens up about his new life as a father to baby Riddhima.
Indian cricket sensation and former T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav is known for his daring shots and fearless approach on the field, but off the pitch, he is embracing a much softer role. In a candid conversation with ANI, the cricketer shared the endearing details of his life as a new father, revealing how his personal space has been completely transformed by the arrival of his daughter.
Diapers and Toys: The New Wardrobe Order
The transition to fatherhood has brought about some practical—and adorable—changes in Yadav's daily routine. The cricketer admitted that his wardrobe, once reserved for his athletic gear and personal clothing, now serves as a storage hub for his daughter's essentials.
“I have emptied some places for my daughter's things,” Yadav shared. He described a scene that many new parents will find relatable, noting that his wardrobe now houses burp cloths, diapers, and small napkins. “I have kept her small toys in my wardrobe. All that matters. Whatever is there,” he added with a smile.
Beyond the logistics, Yadav expressed joy in watching his daughter grow, mentioning that she has started reacting to things and loves to play.
From the Pitch to the Runway
These revelations came during an event where the cricketer swapped his cricket whites for high fashion. On October 18, Suryakumar Yadav made his runway debut as the showstopper for Ethnix by Raymond at Lakme Fashion Week in New Delhi. Closing the ‘Wedding Stories’ collection, he wore a sophisticated ivory Indo-Western ensemble featuring a structured long jacket with multicoloured embroidery and relaxed trousers.
Even on the ramp, the "Mr. 360" charisma was on full display. In a moment that delighted the crowd, Yadav struck his signature "supla" shot pose, bringing a piece of the cricket stadium to the fashion world.
Dealing with the Nerves
Despite his confidence, Yadav admitted that walking the runway was a nerve-wracking experience. He compared the feeling to the pressure he faces during high-stakes matches.
“There is a lot of pressure. Even when we go to the ground, there is a lot of pressure. There are some butterflies. Because if there is no pressure, it is not fun to play matches and do well. It is the same thing. Even here, there is a lot of pressure to walk on the runway. But at the same time, there is a lot of excitement,” he explained.
Defining the "Complete Man"
When asked about the concept of a modern "complete man," the cricketer emphasized the importance of discipline and the ability to switch roles between professional and personal life.
According to Yadav, a complete man is someone who is disciplined on the field, gives his absolute best to the game, and then leaves the professional stress behind. “When he goes back home, becomes a proper family man. Respects the family. Spends time with them. So that balance is really important,” he stated.
A Special Milestone
Suryakumar Yadav and his wife, Devisha Shetty, welcomed their daughter, Riddhima, on May 7, 2026. The cricketer had previously announced the birth on Instagram, welcoming the little one with a sweet caption: “With giggles, bows, and dreams to unfurl - we welcome our baby girl.”
The event took place during the Autumn/Winter-Festive edition of Lakme Fashion Week 2026, which ran from October 13 to 18 at the Taj Palace in New Delhi. The fashion week, a partnership between the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and Reliance Brands, concluded with a boundary-pushing show by couturier Amit Aggarwal, featuring actress Aneet Padda as the finale showstopper.