Suryakumar Yadav is relishing his new role as India’s man in the middle.
Given the shaky batting that cost India dear in the T20 World Cup last year and in the ODI series in South Africa last month, the side had been looking for someone to play the finisher.
Suryakumar, known as SKY from his initials, is keen to play the part, something he did with aplomb on Wednesday as he guided India to a six-wicket win in the first T20I against West Indies at Eden Gardens.
“I think it’s very important for me to stay till the end and win the game for my side,” Suryakumar said after his unbeaten 34 off just 18 balls.
“I have been in these situations many times, and whenever I have got out leaving 20-25 runs behind, I have felt bad after going back to the hotel.
“The situation was perfect in this game. I just needed to raise my hand and bail the side out,” he added. And bailing the side out he has been ever since the disastrous campaign in South Africa where India were blanked out 3-0 by an inexperienced home team.
In the first ODI in Ahmedabad against the West Indies preceding the T20Is, India were in a spot of bother losing four quick wickets, though they had to chase down just 177. But Suryakumar hit a composed, unbeaten 34 and, along with Deepak Hooda, forged an unbroken stand of 62 for the fifth wicket that saw India home.
In the second ODI, his 83-ball 64 and partnerships of 91 with KL Rahul and 43 with Washington Sundar for the fourth and fifth wickets, respectively, turned out to be massive for India as they could somehow post a competitive total of 237/9 after losing three for only 43.
And then in Wednesday’s first T20I at the Eden, he showed excellent temperament and was judicious in terms of shot selection to help India prevail, after the Windies tried to sneak their way back in the game with the departure of Rishabh Pant. India then needed another 44 to win from 33 balls.
Suryakumar’s spontaneity and ability to remain calm and not get cowed down by pressure or the situation has lent a certain vitality to India’s batting, especially their middle order. And in Rahul’s absence, his role assumes greater significance. Particularly in that No.5 position.
The Mumbai Indians batsman said his rapport with captain Rohit Sharma, his leader in the IPL side as well, is important. “Whenever Rohit needs me, I am there. I’m always trying my best,” Suryakumar said.
Support system
In seven ODI appearances so far, Suryakumar averages 53.40 with a strike rate of 103.08. In T20Is, his strike rate is 158.85 from 12 matches at a healthy average of 39.71.
What also counts for Suryakumar is the presence of Rahul Dravid as India’s head coach, which provides him with the right support system, feels Jatin Paranjape, a former national selector who’s currently a part of Mumbai Cricket Association’s Cricket improvement committee.
“Yesterday (Wednesday) he was fantastic. He has all the talent and the right support system with Rahul Dravid being there,” Paranjape told The Telegraph on Thursday.