Former Indian cricketer Manoj Tiwary feels Suryakumar Yadav returning to form was the biggest positive for Mumbai Indians after the team was knocked out of IPL 2023 following their 62-run loss against defending champions Gujarat Titans at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on Friday.

Both Suryakumar Yadav and Mumbai Indians got off to a slow starts in the season as the Rohit Sharma-led lost their opening two matches.

However, SKY was able to turn the tables and it played a key role in helping Mumbai Indians bounce back in IPL 2023 playoffs race. SKY scored 605 runs in 16 matches of the season at an impressive average of 43.21 and a blistering strike rate of 181.13, which is the best for the top 15 run-getters of the season.

SKY has been batting at his absolute best in the last couple of years and he played a key role in the success of his team. In fact, MI had a weak bowling line-up and thus it was crucial for the team to have more runs on the board and the onus was taken by SKY, as he finished as the team’s leading run-getter.

“Suryakumar Yadav returning to form is the biggest positive for Mumbai Indians. He has returned to his natural self, what he was known for earlier. He has scored a lot of runs, and at a very high strike rate. In the coming days, MI will have to change their trend that they first lose a few matches, then start winning. They will have to change that, or else it will be difficult for them,” Tiwary said while speaking on Cricbuzz.

In fact, SKY entered IPL 2023 with three golden ducks against Australia and then could manage scores of 15, 1, 0 in the first three matches of the tournament. However, he got his Midas touch back with a blistering knock of 25-ball 43 against Kolkata Knight Riders and then didn’t look back.

SKY was able to deliver for MI and played a key role in helping his team reach the playoffs. The 32-year-old will look to carry a good show in the upcoming matches for India.