"His shots don't look so good"- Virender Sehwag's scathing assessment of Suryakumar Yadav

Published - 21 Jun 2024, 04:57 PM | Updated - 24 Aug 2024, 01:21 AM

Suryakumar Yadav and Virender Sehwag
Suryakumar Yadav and Virender Sehwag (Credits: X)

Former Indian opening batter Virender Sehwag applauded Suryakumar Yadav and labeled his knock against Afghanistan as full "Paisa Vasool" (Worth the money).

Suryakumar Yadav, who is operating as a number 4 batsman in ICC T20 World Cup 2024, was in sublime form yesterday.

The Indian team was taking on Afghanistan in what was their opening game of the Super 8s at the Kensington Oval in Barbados. Rohit Sharma and Co. started the second round of the T20 WC in the best way possible as they registered a one-sided victory.

Suryakumar Yadav saves the day for India

Rohit had won the toss and elected to bat first in what was a bowling-friendly surface in Barbados. The Men in Blue were not able to get off to a decent start as the skipper departed for just 8 runs in the 3rd over. Number 3 batter Rishabh Pant, who was India's highest scorer in the Group stages, could not capitalize on the start he got off to as he walked out for 20 off 11.

Virat Kohli, whose bat remained quiet in the group stages, had another disappointing day at the office as he was out after a run-a-ball 24 runs. It was down to the middle-order batters Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube to steady India's ship just like they had done against the USA in the 3rd Group A match.

However, Shivam Dube, who is known for playing spinners very well, got out cheaply for just 10 runs off 7 by Afghani captain Rashid Khan. But Suryakumar Yadav held on to his wicket from the other end and kept the scoreboard ticking with his unorthodox and unconventional style of batting.

Suryakumar Yadav stood for a partnership of 60 runs with vice-captain Hardik Pandya who did really well to support the former. Surya was eventually out after playing out an innings of 53 off 28 at a danting strike rate of 189.29. His departure didn't affect India as he had carried out his job perfectly.

His performance was complimented by Ravindra Jadeja and Axar Patel who shared 19 runs between them with the latter smacking at a strike rate of 200. With that India posted a target of 182 to which Afghanistan tried their best but were all out for 134.

Suryakumar Yadav was adjudged as man of the match for his 53 off 28 which included 5 fours and 3 sixes. Former opener Virender Sehwag had special praise for him after India's win.

What did Virender Sehwag say about Surya?

Virender Sehwag, while speaking to Cricbuzz, was asked if the innings from Surya were worth watching or not. In response, Viru admitted that Surya rather played out an entertaining knock. Sehwag stated that sometimes Surya's shots might look a bit uncanny but when he is in sync and form, then his shots become eye-pleasing.

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"It was totally worth the money and I will say he gives pure entertainment. The way he bats, and the kind of shots he plays in a 360-degree manner, it is worth the money. But sometimes his shots do not look so good but when he has rhythm by his side, he is a joy to watch." - Virender Sehwag said via Cricbuzz.