Suryakumar Yadav played a key role in Mumbai Indians’ (MI) thumping 49-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday (September 23).

Batting at No. 3, the right-hander smashed 47 runs off 28 balls (6 fours and 1 six) before getting run out in the 11th over. In the process, he also shared a 90-run partnership for the second wicket with skipper Rohit Sharma, who played a fine knock of 54-ball 80 while opening the innings.

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After the match, Suryakumar addressed the virtual press conference and expressed his interest in opening the innings for the defending champions.

"That's actually completely team's management call. I have loved opening for Mumbai Indians in the last two years as well and whenever they give me an opportunity I would love that," he said.

Suryakumar also lauded Rohit for his amazing knock and said it does not matter if the boundaries are small or not, the skipper keep things pretty simple while batting.

Rohit’s knock was laced with 3 fours, 6 sixes and he batted till almost 18th over.

"He (Rohit Sharma) is a world-class batsman. At Wankhede (Stadium) when he goes out to bat, he keeps things very simple and the same things he has carried to Abu Dhabi. Here the boundaries are big but I do not think there was any drastic change in his batting," said Suryakumar.

"He (Sharma) played his natural game for which he is known for and the result is there in front of you," he added.

Mumbai Indians will face Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in their next game on September 28.

(With ANI inputs)