The right-hander played a superb knock in MI's victory over RR in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
After frequent starts but failing to kick-on, the right-hander finally played a substantial knock, scoring a fantastic half-century (47-ball 79*) to take his team to a huge total of 193/4 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Abu Dhabi this Tuesday (October 6).
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The defending champions MI eventually defended their score by 57 runs to reach the top spot in the points table after four wins in six outings, including two losses.
Suryakumar, who has been crucial to his team's upsurge in the tournament standings, expressed pleasure with his performance on the night.
"I felt that 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," he told host broadcaster Star Sports at the post-match presentation on being adjudged the 'Man-of-the-Match'.
"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," added the 30-year-old.
Apart from Suryakumar, skipper Rohit Sharma (35) and middle-order batsman Hardik Pandya (30*) also played their part in enabling MI's big score.
In the second half, Trent Boult (2/26), Jasprit Bumrah (2/24) and James Pattinson (2/19) picked up eight wickets between them as RR were dismissed for just 136.
MI next play Delhi Capitals (DC) in Abu Dhabi on Sunday (October 11).
(Inputs from ANI)