After being dropped from the T20I side, Team India’s T20 World Cup-winning skipper Suryakumar Yadav has now been roped in as the brand ambassador of Major League Baseball (MLB), collaborating on fan engagement initiatives, original content and marquee events designed to connect Indian sports fans with baseball. Additionally, MLB has also announced its renewal with Hotstar, thereby continuing the tournament’s commitment to bring MLB games and content to fans across the country.
“Suryakumar is one of the most recognized athletes in India, with an ability to connect with millions of fans across the country” – Jeremiah Yolkut
Suryakumar, the 2026 T20 World Cup winning captain, has been at the forefront of the T20 revolution across the world with his innovative and exciting batting, inspiring the new generation who have taken the sport to the next level. MLB also announced a renewal with JioStar, India’s leading media and entertainment company, continuing the league’s commitment to bringing live MLB games and content to fans across the country through one of the world’s largest media platforms. Together, the partnerships strengthen MLB’s presence in India by combining broad media distribution with the reach and influence of one of the country’s leading athletes. Whether it’s a packed cricket stadium or a baseball ballpark, the most memorable moments are the ones that bring people together. Suryakumar Yadav, who is exclusively managed by RISE Worldwide, has built his career creating those moments through a fearless, expressive style of play that resonates with fans across generations.
“India is home to one of the most vibrant sports cultures in the world, and these partnerships allow us to connect with fans in a meaningful way. Suryakumar is one of the most recognized athletes in India, with an ability to connect with millions of fans across the country. Combined with our renewed partnership with JioStar, we are building a powerful foundation to further expand baseball’s reach throughout the country”, said Jeremiah Yolkut, Major League Baseball, Senior Vice President of Global Operations and Events.
Through the partnership, Suryakumar will participate in a series of MLB events and initiatives in both India and the United States, including MLB All-Star Week in Philadelphia during July 10-14, helping introduce baseball to new audiences while highlighting the similarities between baseball and cricket beyond the bat and ball. He will also curate a wide range of content with MLB on originals and fan engagement opportunities designed to bring America’s favorite pastime’ closer to Indian fans. The announcement follows MLB’s strategic partnership with RISE Worldwide Limited (“RISE”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited (“Reliance”), to support the growth of baseball in India.
(With inputs from ANI)
