IPL 2023: Suryakumar Yadav will be crucial for MI in the playoffs, says Sunil Gavaskar ahead of LSG clash

Indian legend Sunil Gavaskar has dubbed Suryakumar Yadav as a crucial player for Mumbai Indians in the ongoing IPL playoffs. Mumbai will lock horns with Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator contest at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on Wednesday.

In fact, MI got off to a slow start and SKY played an instrumental role in helping his team turn the tables and qualify for the playoffs. The talisman has scored 511 runs in 14 matches for the five-time champions at an average of 42.58 and a blistering strike rate of 185.14 in the ongoing season.

The right-hander also scored his maiden IPL century against defending champions Gujarat Titans and he has been in top form. In fact, SKY had also got off to a slow start but he is back to his best in the ongoing season.

“SKY is outstanding. Look at the big stride he takes when it comes to playing such agricultural shots. However, he needs to plan his game better on slow and turning pitches. He’s going to be crucial for MI in the playoff games. Remember, the first couple of playoff games are going to be played on a slow Chennai track,” said Gavaskar on Star Sports.

On the other hand, former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif showered praise on MI veteran spinner Piyush Chawla, who has done an amazing job for the team. The leg-spinner has scalped 20 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 21.10 and he has played a key role in taking MI to the playoffs.

“Chawla has taken half of the wickets that Mumbai has taken so far. This is a champion bowler. As if taking wickets on the very first ball in every match has become his habit,” said Kaif.

Kaif added that Chawla has proved there is no substitute for experience as the leg-spinner has been right on the money for the Rohit Sharma-led team.

“Chawla has proved that there is no substitute for experience. He has stability in his deliveries and has been impressive on all types of wickets. His impact this season has been solid,” Kaif added.

MI will look to come up with a collective show against LSG in the Eliminator contest on Wednesday.