It’s like watching AB de Villiers in many ways – Graeme Smith on Suryakumar Yadav

Former South African skipper Graeme Smith has drawn comparisons between AB de Villiers and Suryakumar Yadav. Smith had observed AB de Villiers from close quarters as the Proteas captain while he saw SKY take giant strides at the top level while playing in the IPL for Mumbai Indians.

SKY has been in the form of his life and he has delivered the goods in the T20 format. The right-hander scored a breathtaking knock of 111 runs off just 51 balls in the second T20I against New Zealand with the help of 11 fours and seven sixes.

The 32-year-old also scored 239 runs in six matches in the T20 World Cup at a whirlwind strike rate of 189.68 and an average of 59.75.

SKY has the skills to hit the ground running and he is batting at the top of his game in the shortest format of the game. The Mumbai batter can score all around the ground and he has been magnificent for the national team in the last 15 months.

“I’ve seen Suryakumar Yadav for a while now. I’ve been fortunate to watch him while commentating during the IPL. He grew every year. You could see he had the talent. It was almost like watching AB in many ways. You see the thinking start to get to the same level as the talent and ability. It’s terrific to have players like Suryakumar Yadav coming through the ranks. The talking points, the energy they bring to the game. Everyone turns to the TV to watch a player like him. It’s exciting and terrific for Indian cricket,” Smith told India Today.

Meanwhile, after India was knocked out of the T20 World Cup, there have been discussions about whether Hardik Pandya should take over the captaincy baton from Rohit Sharma in the T20I format.

Speaking on the game, Smith said, “The thing about Indian cricket is the amount of talent they have got at the moment. Rohit waited behind Virat for a long time. Ge’s had huge success at MI as well. And Hardik obviously with GT was terrific. It’s great to have leaders in your team. Indian cricket will figure out who that right person is to take them forward in the future.”

India is currently taking on Bangladesh in three-match ODI series and neither Hardik Pandya nor Suryakumar Yadav is not part of the squad.