Mumbai Indians (MI) batter Suryakumar Yadav entered the IPL 2023 on the back of a forgettable ODI series against Australia at home. He was dismissed for three successive golden ducks in the 50-over series, which the visitors won 2-1 last month.
Surya failed to get going in MI’s first three games, registering scores of 15(16), 1(2) and 0(1) against RCB, CSK and DC respectively.
However, a relaxed approach turned things around for the dashing right-hander, who produced a match-winning knock of 43 in 25 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday (April 16).
“I relaxed and had an easy walk to the wicket, took my time for the first 6-7 balls. And then I thought if I get my eye in I can take it forward,” Suryakumar, who stood in for regular captain Rohit Sharma, said at the post-match presentation.
“We just need to bat smart in the first 7-10 overs and later on we know what kind of firepower we have. We just did the same thing today and hopefully we carry it forward into the next few games.”
MI defeated KKR by five wickets while chasing the target of 186. It was their second successive victory in the ongoing IPL after starting the season with a couple of defeats.
Surya said the team members had a chat in the dugout that they had to carry the momentum from the win in the last game.
“The boys put on a show. I would have loved to finish the game but nevertheless, I was very happy with the way the team played.
“In the afternoon we thought the wicket was a little dry, but the way the guys batted it settled down in the evening. At the Wankhede in day games, 160-170 is a good score but Kishan got us off to a great start.”
Ishan Kishan laid the foundation of the successful run chase with a 25-ball 58 at the top of the order. His innings was laced with five boundaries and as many sixes.
Suryakumar also lauded Piyush Chawla (1/19 from 4 overs) for his exceptional bowling performance in the match.
“That was a legendary spell from his side, he puts his hand up under pressure and he is a great character.”
(With PTI Inputs)
