Suryakumar Yadav announced his return to form in emphatic fashion, smashing a belligerent 17-ball fifty to power Mumbai Indians (MI) to a crushing seven-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Wankhede Stadium. Yadav’s knock, alongside a blistering fifty from Ishan Kishan, ensured MI chased down a target of 197 runs with a staggering 27 balls to spare.
Mentally Prepared for Wankhede Return
This match marked Suryakumar Yadav’s second appearance after recovering from an injury sustained during the South Africa series in December 2023. Despite a duck in his previous outing, Yadav displayed remarkable focus and determination. Â
In a post-match interview, he revealed a unique approach to his recovery. “It’s always good to be back at Wankhede,” he said. “When the tournament started, I was mentally here only, although physically in Bangalore (recovering from the injury), it felt like I never left.” This statement highlights Yadav’s unwavering commitment to the team, even during his absence.
Clinical Chasing Strategy
Chasing a target of 200 can be daunting, but Yadav emphasized the importance of adapting to the conditions. “When you are chasing 200, it is important to know the dew factor and take your chances,” he explained.
He further commended the contributions of his fellow openers, Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, who provided a solid foundation for the chase with a century partnership within the first 10 overs. Yadav acknowledged the importance of finishing early to boost their net run rate.
360° Domination: Practice Makes Perfect
Suryakumar Yadav is renowned for his unorthodox strokeplay and ability to hit boundaries all around the wicket. When questioned about his signature 360-degree shots, he revealed a dedication to meticulous practice. “I just try to play to the field and practice these shots,” he said.
“It’s just muscle memory (talking about his freak shots) and I go out there and enjoy myself.” He specifically mentioned the “slice over point” shot as one he particularly relished during the match.
Praise for Fellow Batsmen and Bumrah’s Fiery Spell
Yadav also commended the outstanding performance of his opening partner, Ishan Kishan. “The management told him (Ishan Kishan) to go out and enjoy, he has worked really hard on his batting and is just enjoying the fruits now,” he stated.
The conversation culminated with Yadav acknowledging the exceptional bowling performance of Jasprit Bumrah, who claimed a five-wicket haul earlier in the match. With a touch of humor, he revealed, “It’s been almost 2-3 years since I batted against him (Bumrah) in the nets, because he either breaks my bat or breaks my foot.” This lighthearted comment underscores the mutual respect and camaraderie within the MI squad.
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