Suryakumar Yadav on Wednesday equalled his highest score in Indian Premier League that he had hit earlier in this edition. The right-handed batsman powered his way to an unbeaten 79 off 43 balls to lead Mumbai Indians (MI) virtually into the playoffs.
Yadav had earlier hit an unbeaten 79, off 47 deliveries, against Rajasthan Royals at the same venue on October 6.
In fact, Yadav is the leading scorer in Abu Dhabi during this IPL, having scored 335 runs at an average of 55.83 in eight matches at the venue.
In the two other venues, Dubai and Sharjah, where he has played two games each, Yadav has just 27 runs from four matches. He has got just ducks in the two games that he has played in Dubai.
Wednesday's game showed the sense of responsibility that Yadav has been given, thanks to his decade-long experience in first-class cricket.
The innings also came on the back of India’s squad announcement for the upcoming tour of New Zealand where, once again, Yadav’s name was missing. The selection omission has been severely criticised by many, including Sachin Tendulkar as other players have been picked based on the IPL performances.
The 30-year-old from Mumbai has been tasked to take the game deep which he did in all the three half-century knocks he has hit.
“The team management and Rohit told me before the start of the tournament that you have played enough to take the game deep. I am glad I have been able to do it.”Suryakumar Yadav
Yadav added that "a lot of meditation has helped" him in taking the innings deep.
"I was looking to finish the game. I was looking to learn what my game is. Happy to have finished it. Lot of meditation has helped," he said. "I have worked on my game during the lockdown. I used to love playing on the on-side before. Pleased to have finished the game."
Yadav played some scintillating shots, including a flicked six to mid-wicket as well as glide over slips.
However, two shots stood out in his own words. "One over cover to Chahal and the back foot punch off Steyn were my favorites," he said.
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)