Mumbai batsman Suryakumar Yadav revealed that his Mumbai Indians teammate Hardik Pandya has shared a lot about Virat Kohli and his training regimen with him. Suryakumar said that he learned a lot about the Indian captain from his Mumbai Indians teammate, given that he will shortly be playing under his leadership in the upcoming T20I series.
Suryakumar Yadav has earned his maiden Indian team call-up for the five-match T20I series between India and England which will be played in Narendra Modi Stadium in Motera, Ahmedabad from March 12 onwards. He said that sharing the Mumbai Indians dressing room with Team India cricketers has given him some awareness of Kohli’s genius.
Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya (BCCI)
I Have Asked Hardik What Virat Does Differently: Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav is expected to make his India debut and Virat Kohli will be his first captain if he is chosen in the playing XI for any of the T20I matches against England.
“Over the years, playing with the Mumbai Indians, I have got to learn and know so much about Virat from Hardik Pandya as well. Whenever we have been together, I have asked Hardik what Virat does differently during the practice sessions that he is the best on the ground.
The energy he has in the practice sessions — be it batting or fielding — is completely different and he is the same on the ground. So, these are some of the things that I want to learn from him which makes him the best,” said Suryakumar Yadav in an interview with the BCCI’s official website.
Rohit Sharma Has Helped Me A Lot. It’s Amazing To See His Approach To The Game Is So Simple: Suryakumar Yadav
The 30-year-old further spoke about his Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma and how he has contributed to his growth as a batsman. He also revealed that Rohit Sharma was at the other end when Suryakumar walked out to bat on his Ranji Trophy debut for Mumbai.
“I still remember the time when I was batting with Rohit Sharma during my Ranji Trophy debut. When I walked out to bat, there were a lot of butterflies in my stomach. He just came up to me and said, mate, just keep things very simple. You have worked very hard to reach here. You just have to go out and express yourself. Think about nothing. Just express yourself,” said Suryakumar.
Suryakumar further lauded the Indian white-ball vice-captain for his approach to the game and how his style of mentoring youngsters has not changed much.
“It is amazing to see that his approach towards the game or his batting or his advice to the young crop has still not changed. Even today, he tells me the same thing. His presence has really helped me a lot. Having played under Rohit, I have learnt many things about him and his game, how he keeps things very simple, and his astute understanding of the game,” he added.
The five T20I matches between India and England will be played on March 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 in Ahmedabad.
Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav Opens Up On The Moment When Seeing His Name In The Indian Team’s Squad
