Suryakumar Yadav feels half century against South Africa ‘most defining’ knock of his international career

Indian explosive batter Suryakumar Yadav opens up on his blazing half century against South Africa in Perth at the T20 World Cup. He feels that the knock under pressure against the mighty Proteas has to be one of the most defining innings for him in his international career.

He described the Perth pitch as one of the toughest that he has faced and it makes the half century even more special. Yadav understood that only taking the positive route will allow him to make runs on that pitch.

Despite winning the toss and opting to bat, India were struggling at 49-5 and even ten overs were not done. Lungi Ngidi was exceptional as he picked up four wickets. None of the Indian batters looked comfortable apart from Suryakumar Yadav. The 32-year-old smashed 68 runs off 40 deliveries which had three sixes and six fours.

In an interview with Indian Express, the Mumbai based batter shared, “I think that half-century against South Africa in Perth was the defining knock for me. It was the most challenging wicket I have faced till date. Before the game, I went to bat in the nets for 15 minutes, and I got the feeling of Perth there itself.”

He shared how the pitch was even faster than he thought at the training nets. He also highlighted how India were reeling at 49-5 and could have bundled out for a total of 75 runs. But he still played his strokes and helped India get to a more respectable total.

“When I went in to bat, I told myself ki yeh pitch toh sochne se bhi jyada tez hai (this pitch is quicker than I thought). So, when I went to the non-striker’s end, I kept thinking which shots I could play, as there was bounce too. When we were 49 for 5, we had nothing to lose. We could have got all out for 75, but I decided to take the positive route,” he revealed.

Lastly he shared how Indian coach Rahul Dravid completely backs his aggressive route of play. Hence they have decided to send him in between 7-14 overs where he is mostly effective as he also pointed out how he plays the same role for Mumbai Indians in the IPL.

“I have batted in that situation (7-14 overs) plenty of times for Mumbai Indians. I know how to score runs in that particular situation. My mind was clear, and I just went and told him. He agreed and told me to express myself whenever I go out to bat,” Suryakumar Yadav added.

Currently the 32-year-old will represent Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy as they take on Hyderabad at the Bandra Kurla Complex ground.