Mumbai Indians talisman batter Suryakumar Yadav dismissed injury concerns after their seven-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Monday. Yadav was struggling while running between the wickets during his unbeaten knock of 102 runs off just 51 balls.
In the run-chase of 174, MI found themselves under the cosh at 31-3, losing Ishan Kishan, Rohit Sharma and Naman Dhir early in their innings. However, Suryakumar Yadav was able to steady the ship with Tilak Varma, adding 143 runs for the fourth wicket. Varma also played a crucial second-fiddle role, scoring 37 off 32 balls.
Yadav scored all around the wicket as he batted at his absolute best. The right-hander has a lot of experience of playing at the Wankhede and he made the most of it. This was the second century for SKY in the IPL.
SKY completed his fifty off 30 balls whereas he scored his next fifty off just 21 balls, reaching his century with a six to wrap up the game with 16 balls to spare.
Suryakumar Yadav said in the post-match presentation, “I have done this after a long time. I fielded for 20 overs and batted for 18 overs, only tired (nothing else to worry about.) I feel it was the need of the hour for me. I went out to bat, needed someone to bat till the end. I just enjoyed my time.”
He added, “It’s from the Mumbai school of arts, have played a lot of cricket at Wankhede. When the ball stopped seaming, I played all my shots that I practice in the nets. I feel the intent would have been the same, I would have definitely played in the same pattern.”
It will be important for MI to win their last two matches to give themselves an outside chance of qualifying for the playoff. Mumbai Indians will next take on Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata on Saturday.
