SA vs IND 2023: Never easy for bowlers to execute their plans against Suryakumar Yadav – Zaheer Khan

Former Indian fast bowler Zaheer Khan believes it is tough for the bowlers to execute their plans against Suryakumar Yadav. SKY scored a magnum opus knock of 100 runs off just 56 balls in the third T20I against South Africa at the  New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on Thursday.

As SKY is known for his 360-degree game, the bowlers always have their work cut out and set a particular field for him. SKY once again showed his versatility to hit all across the ground as he smashed five sixes to the cow corner region and two over the extra-cover region.

The right-hander played the field beautifully as he scored seven fours and eight sixes in his blistering knock. SKY got off to a sedate start but smashed 79 runs off the final 36 balls he faced.

SKY scored 156 runs in two matches against the Proteas at an average of 78 and thus he was awarded Player of the Series for his consistent performances.

“SKY is building a reputation for himself and there is no doubt about that. He has got shot-making ability all across the ground and that makes it very difficult for bowlers. When you are able to hit one side of the pitch, then as a bowler you always have a chance in this format with the field restrictions,” Zaheer was quoted as saying on Crizbuzz.

“But when you have a batter like Surya, who can hit the ball to long on, midwicket, hit sixes over covers and uses the pace by opening the face of the bat nicely, it’s tough for bowlers. He picks his fielders, picks his spots and once he is on song and that kind of a zone, it’s never going to be easy for bowlers to execute their plans,” he stated.

The former Indian premier pacer said the only way to stop Suryakumar Yadav is to get him out.

“You just going to give yourself the best chance to bowl the deliveries and get him out, that’s one way of stopping him. That’s what eventually happened,” Zaheer added.

The first ODI between India and South Africa will be played at the New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on Sunday.