Suryakumar Yadav called his T20 World Cup 2022 half-century against South Africa the defining knock of his career.
The 32-year-old believes being positive was the best way to survive on Perth’s pitch.
India won the toss and batted first. Lungi Ngidi (4-29) made them 49-5 in nine overs. Only SKY looked comfortable on the surface, hitting 68 off 40 with six fours and three sixes.
Suryakumar discussed batting in Perth with The Indian Express. said
“My half-century versus South Africa in Perth was defining. It was my toughest wicket. I batted in the nets for 15 minutes before the game and felt Perth.”
Continuing:
“Fast warmup pitches. So I faced 15 balls and told Vicky paaji (batting instructor Vikram Rathod) I was done for the day; any batting will be done in the match.”
Suryakumar said he thought as India struggled to bat:
“Before I batted, I told myself the pitch was bad (this pitch is quicker than I thought). When I went to the non-end, striker’s I thought about bounce shots. We had nothing to lose at 49-5. We could have gone for 75, but I chose to be positive.
It wasn’t the 32-year-first old’s T20 six. Suryakumar said Rahul Dravid praised him for his exploits. He said:
“He told me that from where I bat, I can influence the game. I advised him when he became India coach to send me out to bat between 7-14 overs.”
Continuing:
“I’ve batted there for Mumbai Indians. I can score runs there. Clear-headed, I told him. He agreed and urged me to be myself at bat.
Suryakumar will play in the Ranji Trophy 2022-23 game between Mumbai and Hyderabad on Tuesday (December 20) at Mumbai.
Suryakumar Yadav always sprints when batting.
Before batting, most hitters have their own routine. Suryakumar loves to rush into the middle when asked about traditions. Adding:
“I watch the game from the dugout without looking around. No TV is around. Before batting, I warm up at the boundary. When I bat, I sprint. It’s my sole thrill. Every second ball, I extend and twist my bat to feel it.”
Continuing:
“I sprint to the ground, so my legs are free until the middle. How can I run three on the first ball? Body shouldn’t be cold.
Suryakumar has played in 16 ODIs and 42 T20Is since his international debut in March 2021.
