The Lockdown Helped Me With My Off-Side Game: Suryakumar Yadav

After having shown brief glimpses of his prodigious batting talent in the ongoing Dream11 IPL, Suryakumar Yadav showed us the complete picture during his glittering 47-ball 79 against Rajasthan Royals, one that propelled Mumbai Indians to a commanding 57-run win in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.

Suryakumar Yadav came into bat after openers Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma had put on a rollicking opening stand of 49. The right-hander displayed his full repertoire of strokes against both pace and spin and ensured that Mumbai Indians did not fall behind the eight-ball after a middle-order ruddle that saw them lose three quick wickets.

Yadav dabs, cut, drove, pulled his way to a brilliant half-century, and just to show he also has a steely temperament, he scooped Jofra Archer towards third-man after having been struck on the head on the preceding ball. Another thing that was noticeable was the subtle improvement in Suryakumar Yadav’s off-side play. Yadav registered his highest IPL score and was eventually adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ for his match-winning knock.

Here’s what Suryakumar Yadav had to say in the post-match presentation-

I felt it (a big knock) was coming in this game because in the last few games I was finding ways to get out. This time I just wanted to bat till the end. Loving the added responsibility at the top of the order, and I’ve just been told to play my game and express myself and I did just that.

The lockdown helped me with my off-side game rather than just my leg-side pick-up shot. The team winning is really satisfying and at that situation, I had to bat till the end to get the team to a perfect total, and then the bowlers came and finished things off.

Also Read- It Will Be Very Disappointing If SuryaKumar Yadav Doesn’t Find A Place In The Indian Team: Irfan Pathan