IPL 2018: We Need to Start Winning Games on a Consistent Basis - Suryakumar Yadav

Mumbai Indians opener, Suryakumar Yadav has made the position at the top of the order following his consistent performances in the ongoing edition of the tournament.

After being elevated as an opener, he has returned with scores of 53, 72, 34 and 44. He had just one poor match. He has scored 274 runs in seven matches. Yadav is also the top scorer for Mumbai in the tournament so far.

Yadav expressed his delight at the momentum which his team has got following the victory against the Chennai Super Kings.

Mumbai is having a tough season so far. However, their victory against Chennai will surely give them confidence going into the tournament.

“It was very important for us to win that game. We beat one of the best sides in the tournament. Going into the second half of the tournament, I think it is very good for us that we have the momentum. We have already forgotten the losses we suffered. And it’s good that we have coming here on the back of a win. We have a lot to achieve in the tournament,” Surya said.

The opener also lavished praise on skipper of the Mumbai Indians on his birthday. Rohit scored a match-winning 56 runs against Chennai which helped them register their 2^nd victory of the season.

“I think it was great. He put his hand up in a pressure situation. We couldn’t have asked for anything better than him to come in and perform in that situation. At that stage, it was very important for an experienced player to go out and play. We are very happy for him. But, in the coming games, we want to keep ourselves flexible in the batting order. So, we will see what the team management decides,” Yadav said.

The stylish batsman has impressed all and sundry with his consistency in the season so far. He further added the team should look forward and not think about the losses which they suffered during the first half of the tournament.

There are still enough chances for Mumbai to qualify and they must keep that self-belief intact. They have done it in the past and should be hopeful of a repeat of previous years.

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“I think we kept things pretty simple (against CSK). This is a format in which we all go out there and express ourselves. The team that plays well takes the game away. Yes, we have lost a few games, but the tournament isn’t over. We took those losses in our stride. And here we are again. I think we played an away game last time and we have the momentum. We want to start winning (consistently) now,” he said.

He emphasized the fact the team needs to keep winning matches on a consistent basis.

“After all, we have just four points after seven engagements. From now on, every game is important for us. Rather than think about the other teams, we are just focusing on our strong points and what we need to do. We have a good net run-rate, and we will try to maintain it. But, at the end of the day, those two points are the best that we can get and we are looking forward to winning games,” he said.

He also spoke on the batting position of Rohit Sharma.

“I think it is his and the team management’s decision. Maybe he wants to take more responsibility and play till the end. But, as we have seen, he has been performing well at all positions, not only as an opener but one-down or two-down. In the last game, he came up to No. 3. It was his responsibility. In the coming games, we’ll see more of it,” he explained.

Mumbai lock horns against the Royal Challengers Bangalore tomorrow (Tuesday). They go into the encounter having a phenomenal record against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. They have also won their last four games at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, he didn’t want to read too much into the record.

“I think what has happened has happened. Mumbai Indians have beaten RCB five times (in a row). It’s all history now. The most important thing is what we do on game day. Even they have lost a few games, and that’s done as well. The team we play against tomorrow will be in a completely different state of mind. It will be a great game. So, we will be raring for go. And those two points will be very crucial for us,” he said.

Also Read: IPL 2018: Five Reasons Why RCB is Not Winning Under Virat Kohli’s Captaincy