For in-form batsman Surya Kumar Yadav, the sky is the limit. The 30-year-old took the onus on himself to help Mumbai Indians pick two vital points and qualify for the play-offs. Surya hit a gutsy unbeaten 79* as Mumbai beat Royal Challengers Bangalore in Abu Dhabi.
A particular incident from the match became a talking point on the internet. In the 13th over of the chase, skipper Virat Kohli was seen walking up to Surya and saying something while shining the ball. The right-hand batsman displayed tremendous composure and maturity as he walked away from Kohli, avoiding an altercation.
Earlier, Suryakumar found himself at the receiving end yet again as he missed out on a national call-up in spite of the consistent show over the past few years. India’s squad for the tour to Australia was announced the previous day and the Mumbai batter didn’t find a mention.
Former India opener Virender Sehwag heaped praises on Suryakumar and reacted to the incident involving the batter and Kohli. Sehwag said that Suryakumar isn’t inferior to anyone and showed it on the given night as he breathed fire with fire and answered with the bat.
“It was a phenomenal match. The innings played by Suryakumar Yadav was incredible. He showed Virat Kohli that he isn’t inferior to anyone (in reference to the selection snub for the Australia tour). There was a moment where Suryakumar played a shot towards Kohli and then two had a stare-off where the former asserted once again that he doesn’t fear anything or anyone,” Sehwag opined.
The 42-year-old also stated that this isn’t the first time when a prolific scorer has missed out on a national berth. However, he is hopeful that Suryakumar will get a call sooner than later. Mumbai Indians are the first team to qualify for the knockouts. The defending champions are set to seal a top-two spot in the IPL points table.
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