Suryakumar Yadav, a standout T20 batsman for India, showcased his incredible skill by matching Virat Kohli's T20I record during the T20 World Cup 2024 match against Afghanistan. With a superb display of batting, Yadav scored an impressive half-century, solidifying his status as the best T20 batsman in the world.
Yadav entered the game at a crucial moment after the early dismissals of key players like Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant. He formed a strong partnership with Hardik Pandya, helping India reach a competitive total of 181 runs in 20 overs. His quick 53 runs off 28 balls played a pivotal role in India's 47-run victory over Afghanistan, earning him the Player of the Match award. This marked Yadav's 15th time receiving the accolade in his T20I career, equalling Kohli's record in significantly fewer innings.
Most POTM awards in T20Is:
- Suryakumar Yadav: 15 (61 innings)
- Virat Kohli: 15 (113 innings)
Yadav's aggressive and innovative batting style, often referred to as "Mr. 360," left no part of the ground untouched. He thrived in the challenging middle overs, a phase he particularly enjoys and excels in.
"That's what I have practised; I enjoy batting from overs 7-15 because that's the most difficult phase where the opposition bowlers look to control things. I like to take charge in that phase, I enjoy it," Yadav shared during the innings break.
India's innings faced early turbulence with the loss of Rohit and Rishabh Pant, but a stabilising 43-run partnership between Pant and Kohli offered some respite before Rashid Khan's twin strikes. Despite the setbacks, Yadav's composed and aggressive play, backed by his instincts and experience under Rohit Sharma's leadership, steered India to a commanding position.
"I started chewing my gum harder when he (Kohli) got out. I just backed my game and my instincts. I have played a lot of cricket with him (Rohit Sharma) and now under him, he understands my game. He knows my game, so he sits back and enjoys it," Yadav explained.
India's unbeaten record in the group stage, with three wins and one match washed out against Canada, set the stage for their continued dominance in the Super 8. Afghanistan, coming off a heavy loss to West Indies, faced another tough defeat against the Indian team led by Rohit Sharma.
Yadav's remarkable performance not only highlighted his brilliance but also underscored India's formidable presence in the T20 World Cup 2024, bolstering their quest for the title.