Suryakumar Yadav’s fierce clash with Virat Kohli was one of the highlights of the 2020 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) in UAE.

During the 48th match of IPL 2020, the then RCB skipper tried to disturb the focus of Suryakumar by sledging him. However, the MI batter ignored Kohli’s remarks, maintained his composure and took his team over the line with an unbeaten knock of 43-ball 79.

Speaking on Gaurav Kapur’s famous YouTube Show 'Breakfast with Champions', Suryakumar narrated the incident, saying Virat’s sledging was on another level in that match.

"That's his style. His energy level on the ground is always different. And that game was extremely important for both teams so Virat's sledging was on another level in that match. I was focus on myself, like 'boss, you cannot lose focus and have to win the match at any cost'. The ball went to him and he made that action from there and it was very instinctive," he said.

Suryakumar admitted that he was intimidated by the sight of Kohli walking at him and sharing a long eye contact. However, it was important for him not to lose focus and the MI cricketer kept his calm to see his team through.

"I remember I was chewing gum and inside my heartbeat is racing knowing that he is walking at me. He isn’t saying anything, I wasn't saying anything. I was saying to myself 'no matter what happens, do not say a word. It's a matter of 10 seconds. After this a new over will begin. This won't last long'. So the situation passed. I then saw him right after the match," he added.

Suryakumar was one of the top performers for Mumbai Indians in their IPL 2020 triumph. He amassed 480 runs with four half-centuries as MI clinched the title for a record fifth time.