David Hussey
Melbourne Stars head coach David Hussey. Credits: Twitter

While players like Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, and Arshdeep Singh have demonstrated sufficient signs of being in high condition, Suryakumar Yadav has been the standout performer. Third among all batters, he has scored 225 runs in five games at an incredible strike rate of 193.96.

His batting has appeared creative as he has produced odd but high-scoring smashes. All of this has caused him to be compared to AB de Villiers, a legendary South African batsman. 

When they play England in the 2022 T20 World Cup’s second semi-final on Thursday in Adelaide, the Rohit Sharma-captained Indian cricket side won’t have any margin for error.

AB-de-Villiers-Suryakumar-Yadav. PC_ Twitter/ICC
AB-de-Villiers-Suryakumar-Yadav. PC_ Twitter/ICC

David Hussey Lauds Suryakumar Yadav

David Hussey, a former Australian batter, is similarly enthusiastic about Suryakumar Yadav’s play. 

“I wouldn’t say that (on being asked whether India is over depending on Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav). They have many wonderful players like their openers, wicketkeeper Dinesh Karthik. They also have a good pace attack and good spin and I think they are a balanced team.

“A good coaching staff, Rahul Dravid, Paddy Upton and I think everyone knows their role very well in the team.

Suryakumar Yadav. PC- Getty
Suryakumar Yadav. PC- Getty

“In T20 cricket, if one player comes off, the team generally wins and fortunately for the Indian team, there are two-three players coming off with the bat and ball. So, it’s quite a compliment for the Indian team, going into the finals,” Hussey told NDTV. 

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“He (Suryakumar Yadav) also delivers. He has probably taken over from AB de Villiers for hitting all-around the ground. What’s the best thing about Suryakumar is that he is classy, humble and a great player to watch. He is reaching on to the success he deserves.

Yes, why not (On being asked whether Suryakumar can be the next Mr 360)? I think the players now are scared of playing 360 degree as then they have to play all-around the ground and I think SKY is amazingly expert of that.” 

Suryakumar Yadav. PC- ICC
Suryakumar Yadav. PC- ICC

Suryakumar’s performances in recent games have led him to gain the No. 1 spot in the ICC Men’s T20I rankings. 

In 28 T20I innings this year, Suryakumar has scored 1,026 runs at an average of 44.60. One century and nine half-centuries have come out of his bat, with the best score of 117. These runs have come at a strike rate of 186.24. Suryakumar is the first Indian and only the second player in T20I history to score 1,000 runs in a calendar year.

Also Read: IND vs ENG: “Advantage India” – AB de Villiers Believes Adelaide Will Suit The Men In Blue During ICC T20 World Cup Semi-final