Mohammad Kaif lauded Suryakumar Yadav’s confidence and ability to hit big from the onset. The former middle-order batsman Mohammad Kaif said that Suryakumar Yadav bats as if he already has a century under his belt.
Suryakumar Yadav starred once again with the bat for India in the first T20I against Sri Lanka, scoring a quickfire 50 off 34 balls. India set the hosts a target of 165, which they successfully defended by dismissing Sri Lanka for only 126 in 18.3 overs, eventually winning the game by 38 runs.
Mohammad Kaif: Suryakumar Yadav Plays His 1st Ball Like He Already Has A Ton Besides His Name
Earlier this year, Suryakumar Yadav made his international debut this year against England in T20Is, commencing his career with a six off his first ball. Taking to Twitter, Mohammad Kaif lauded Suryakumar Yadav’s performance in the first T20I against Sri Lanka.
“Surya Kumar Yadav these days plays his first ball like he already has a 100 to his name. No nerves, no doubts, in total control. Always great to see a domestic star do well internationally,” said Mohammad Kaif.
Later, Man of the Match Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s four-wicket haul helped India wrap up the game with ease as Sri Lanka never looked comfortable in the chase.
Suryakumar Yadav Is A Great Player: Shikhar Dhawan
Suryakumar Yadav shared a 62 run stand with stand-in Indian captain Shikhar Dhawan in the first T20I. After the match, Shikhar Dhawan highlighted how Suryakumar Yadav took the pressure off him by playing ‘calculated shots’.
“He (Surya) is a great player, and we enjoy watching him bat. He took the pressure off me, and the way he plays calculated shots was amazing to watch. I feel we played quite well after losing early wickets. It was about one or two boundaries; we knew we could get going.” said Dhawan at the post-match presentation.
India suffered an early setback after Prithvi Shaw’s first-ball dismissal. But Shikhar Dhawan and Suryakumar Yadav’s partnership steadied the visitors, who put up a competitive total, which eventually turned out to be a match-winning one. Suryakumar Yadav scored 50 off 34 balls, his second half-century in his fourth T20 International, and was involved in a 62-run stand for the third wicket with skipper Shikhar Dhawan.
After a memorable T20I debut against England early this year, Suryakumar Yadav has once again proved his potential in the ongoing India tour of Sri Lanka. In the three ODIs, he returned with scores of unbeaten 31, 53, and 40 to be adjudged the Player-of-the-Series for his consistency.
The second T20I between India and Sri Lanka starts in Colombo on Tuesday.
India 164 for 5 (Suryakumar 50, Dhawan 46, Chameera 2-24, Hasaranga 2-28) beat Sri Lanka 126 (Asalanka 44, Bhuvneshwar 4-22, Chahar 2-24) by 38 runs