Half-century against South Africa at Perth was the defining knock for me – Suryakumar Yadav reflects on his T20 World Cup heroics

India’s talisman batter Suryakumar Yadav reflected on his impressive show in the T20 World Cup. Yadav rated his knock against South Africa at Perth as the defining knock for him. The right-hander scored a blistering knock of 68 runs off just 40 balls against the Proteas with the help of six fours and three sixes.

In fact, India was reeling at 49-5 inside nine overs but SKY was able to get going on a difficult pitch. Yadav was able to score all around the ground against the Proteas’ bowlers as he batted at his absolute best.

With the help of SKY’s whirlwind knock, India posted 133-9 in their 20 overs but his efforts went in vain as the Rohit Sharma-led team lost by five wickets.

“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 continued: “The practice pitches were quick. So I faced a mere 15 balls and told Vicky paaji (batting coach Vikram Rathod) that I am done for the day, whatever batting is to be done will be done in the match.”

The 32-year-old 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. Furthermore, Yadav scored a blistering knock of 111 runs off just 51 balls in the second T20I against New Zealand after the conclusion of the T20I showpiece.

Yadav revealed he went out to bat with a positive attitude when the team had its backs against the wall.

“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.”

The linchpin batter, who has been in the form of his life, also revealed the discussion he had with the team’s head coach Rahul Dravid.

“When he saw my innings like these, he came and told me that the position at which I bat, I can go and change the game. When he became India coach, I went and told him once that when the match is between the 7-14 over stage, please send me out to bat.”

He continued: “I have batted in that situation 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.”

Yadav will be in action in the white ball series against Sri Lanka.