IPL 2023: He didn’t try to play shots like Suryakumar Yadav – Sunil Gavaskar lauds Nehal Wadhera’s knock

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar showered praise on Nehal Wadhera after the youngster played a fine knock in Mumbai Indians’ six-wicket win against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Tuesday. The left-hander scored 52 runs from 34 balls in the run-chase of 200 runs against the visitors.

The southpaw also added a crucial alliance of 140 runs with Suryakumar Yadav, who scored a blistering knock of 83 runs off just 35 balls. Gavaskar hailed Wadhera for backing his strengths and he didn’t try to copy Suryakumar Yadav’s unrealistic shots.

Yadav is well known for his 360-degree game and he mostly plays some astonishing shots, which are hard to replicate. Thus, SKY is also one of the toughest batters to bowl to.

Sunil Gavaskar said on Star Sports, “The way Wadhera played today, when you play with Suryakumar Yadav you get more courage and the bowling looks easy, but he didn’t try to play shots like Suryakumar Yadav. He played his natural game and that is how it should be.”

“The most impressive thing about Wadhera was his balance at the crease. I always see a batter’s balance. He didn’t move too much. He stood at his place and hit balls with a steady head. Extremely impressive – it is his second consecutive half-century and more will come.”

On the other hand, Wadhera scored his second consecutive fifty for MI. Former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said that the left-hander has been able to grab his opportunity in the absence of injured Tilak Varma. The left-hander had scored 64 runs from 51 balls against Chennai Super Kings.

Wadhera has scored 183 runs in six innings at an average of 36.60 and a strike rate of 147.58 in the ongoing IPL 2023.

“When a young player gets a chance, he should not throw it away but make the most of it. This guy took advantage of the opportunity. He was brought from under-25 to Ranji Trophy, there he scored a double-hundred and then he was fast-tracked into the Mumbai Indians side.”

Wadhera must have definitely grown in confidence after scoring back-to-back fifties for Mumbai Indians and he will be looking to carry the same form in the upcoming matches.

Mumbai Indians will next take on Gujarat Titans at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Friday.