Mumbai Indians (MI) batter Suryakumar Yadav was praiseful of Punjab Kings (PBKS) hard-hitter Ashutosh Sharma after the latter’s fireworks with the bat in the recent IPL 2024 match between the two teams on April 18.
After Suryakumar Yadav’s 78-run knock had helped MI to 192/7 in 20 overs, Punjab Kings found themselves in huge trouble at 77/6. But then Shashank Singh (41) and Ashutosh Sharma produced a terrific counterattack and took the game into the death overs.
Ashutosh Sharma starred with 61 runs in 28 balls with 7 sixes and 2 fours, but his dismissal with PBKS needing 25 runs proved to be the final nail in the coffin. PBKS ended up losing the match by 9 runs in the last over.
Suryakumar emphasized that Ashutosh is not a mini Surya, highlighting the PBKS batter's unique individuality. However, he acknowledged a shared mentality between them in their endeavor to be game-changers for their respective teams.
"He's not mini-Surya, I think he made a fantastic display of his skill and in that moment, I think if you bat like this, he almost won his team the match. I also have the mindset to come and bat and be a game-changer for the team, that's what he tried today. I had a lot of fun watching him bat," Suryakumar told Jio Cinema.
Suryakumar admitted that he would not have wanted Ashutosh to win the game, but did enjoy his batting.
"I can't say I wanted him to win the game for them, but the way he was batting, I really enjoyed watching it. I was relieved when Punjab's score was 14/4. I started to relax. As the game went forward, their lower order batted really well,” the MI batter added.
Ashutosh's fearless hitting rattled all bowlers, including Jasprit Bumrah, who was swept for a six by the MP-born batter.
Suryakumar revealed that he has been in touch with Ashutosh and Shashank ever since their batting heroics against GT.
"When he played his first knock against the Gujarat Titans, it was the first time I messaged him, Shashank Singh and Ashutosh both, there they had won the match from a similar situation. I speak to both of them regularly. I have seen their mindset and work ethic, which is brilliant. I hope both of them keep playing like this and not change their game,” Suryakumar signed off.
Ashutosh Sharma has made 156 runs for PBKS in 4 outings in IPL 2024, with a strike rate of 205.26.
