Former Indian opening batter Virender Sehwag reckons Suryakumar Yadav might have been under pressure thinking he caused two run-outs against Punjab Kings at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Pune on Wednesday.
Yadav was first involved in a mix-up, which led to Tilak Varma’s run-out at a crucial stage.
Subsequently, when it looked like Yadav and Kieron Pollard will get their team over the line, the latter was run-out while attempting to complete the second run. In fact, Pollard patted Yadav on the back after his dismissal but the latter could not get the job done.
SKY was looking good to take Mumbai Indians home as he scored 43 runs off just 30 balls and took the attack against rookie pacer Vaibhav Arora. However, the talisman was dismissed by Kagiso Rabada when he could not clear the long-on fielder, Odean Smith.
There is no doubt that those run-outs must have been on the back of Suryakumar Yadav’s mind and he could not get his team over the line.
Sehwag said on Cricbuzz: “The game changed with Varma’s wicket. SKY might also have been under some pressure thinking that he caused the runout. Sometimes it happens, even though when you are in form, if you affect a runout, you go back into a shell. In the Tilak Varma case, it was 50/50, but he was certainly at fault for the Pollard runout.”
On the other hand, Sehwag heaped praise on the young duo of Dewald Brevis and Tilak Varma after they added 84 runs for the third wicket. Brevis scored 49 whereas Varma added 36 and Sehwag believes both of these young sensations will need to keep improving.
“Brevis and Varma are great prospects. But, they will have to be consistent and keep learning and keep improving. They will have to meet the expectations and deal with their weaknesses.”
Meanwhile, Arshdeep Singh was once again right on the money in the death overs for PBKS. Though the youngster went wicketless he conceded only 29 runs in his quota of four overs. Former PBKS opener reckons Singh should be given two overs at the death.
“The pair of Rabada and Arshdeep are crucial for PBKS. Arshdeep in particular bowled really well, did not take any wickets, but I was impressed by him.”
Sehwag added: “You expect this from Rabada anyway, but Arshdeep has done well in the last game as well. The 18th over he bowled was brilliant. He should be given two at the death, 18th, and 20th. Odean’s quota can be finished earlier.”
PBKS will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy on Sunday.
