Suryakumar Yadav played a key role with the bat in India’s 40-run victory over Hong Kong in the Asia Cup 2022 match at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday (August 31).
Batting at No. 4, Surya took the Hong Kong attack to the cleaners, smashing 68 not out off 26 balls, propelling India to a massive 192/2 in 20 overs.
In the process, the right-hander was involved in an unbeaten 98-run partnership with Virat Kohli, who anchored the innings brilliantly and returned with 59 not out off 44 balls.
Suryakumar Yadav’s dazzling knock was studded with 6 fours and as many sixes and it left Kohli in awe as well. After the end of India’s innings, Kohli bowed down to Surya while walking towards the dug-out and also uttered, 'kya hai yeh' (what is this man?).
The former India skipper’s heartwarming gesture has left Suryakumar overwhelmed and he spoke about the same in the post-match press conference.
"It was a heartwarming gesture by Virat Kohli because I've never seen it. I saw him not moving ahead (walking out of the field at the end of the innings) and said to him 'let's move ahead together'.
"He has so much experience, I enjoyed batting with him. It is important to have someone experienced in a situation like this," said Suryakumar Yadav during the post-match press conference.
Surya was severe on both the spinners and pacers, notching up his half-century in just 22 balls. In the final over, he slammed four sixes against Haroon Arshad.
"It was a heartwarming gesture from Virat Kohli. I have never experienced it. I was wondering why he wasn't walking ahead and then when I realised, I asked him to walk together. He is much more experienced than me," he stated.
Reflecting on his partnership with Kohli, Surya said: "I enjoyed a lot batting with him. We were talking a lot how to go about in the next few balls. He is such an experienced and I haven't played many T20Is. So having the experience at that stage in the middle was crucial."
"I plan my shots and try to express myself through it. We tried to beat Hong Kong by a bigger margin but the opposition also did a few things right."
He added that he is ready to bat at any position for the team.
"I am ready to bat at any position for the team. I just want to play no matter what position I have to bat at, and that is what I have told my coach."
For his blistering knock, Suryakumar Yadav deservedly earned the Player of the Match award.
"The situation was such that I had to go to the crease and play fast. Because the wicket was a little slow in the starting, I talked to Virat Kohli, he said 'just express yourself and do as you bat'. My plan was also very clear on how to bat so it was fun," he said.
(With PTI inputs)
