IPL 2018: Sticking to Game Plan is More Important - Suryakumar Yadav

Defending champions Mumbai Indians’ late surge has put them within touching distance of a playoffs berth.

After losing five out of their first six games, Mumbai made a sensational comeback and now needed to beat Delhi Daredevils in their final group encounter to go through to the playoffs. Given their superior net run rate even a small victory will ensure they go through. Meanwhile, the revival of Mumbai has been possible due to the sensational run of form by Suryakumar Yadav.

After being elevated as an opener, Surya has looked a different player. He has been highly consistent and has already scored more than 500 runs in the tournament with four half-centuries to his name. His form is another example of a batsman carrying his domestic form into the Indian Premier League.

It has also been the same case with Ambati Rayudu. He has also played quite brilliantly for the Chennai Super Kings.

“We’re not thinking about all that,” Suryakumar Yadav said on Saturday when asked about the must-win game against DD. “We’re only thinking about what we are doing right. Rather than think about the net run rate, we will focus on doing the small things right which will help us get those two points.” Suryakumar said.

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Yadav further stated the struggles Mumbai have endured don’t reflect the quality of cricket they have played all through the tournament. Mumbai lost several last over thrillers which have made life difficult for them. However, they can still make it through to the playoffs if they win today.

“Since game one, we’ve been playing some really good cricket. We didn’t start well, but it wasn’t that we weren’t playing good cricket. We were playing good cricket, but the victory was not on our side.

“Coming into the latter part of the tournament, that was when we started gaining momentum. As you saw, winning the last home game (vs KXIP by three runs), taking the two crucial points were very important. These two points will also be very important for us; we will treat it as just another game.”

Surya is confident of the fact that Mumbai will not panic under pressure,

“This game teaches you many things. Whenever we have been put under pressure, we have played really good cricket. This game is all about handling pressure. If there is no pressure, there is no fun. There are challenge and lot of responsibilities as well. So, it is important to stay calm.”

Despite Delhi’s lacklustre performance in the tournament so far, Suryakumar refused to take them lightly. Delhi defeated Chennai in their previous game and might well prove to the party poopers for Mumbai.

“They have been playing some very good cricket, and it is important to give that first punch… Rather than complicating things, we will try and keep things simple and see what happens.”

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