Watch: Suryakumar Yadav Can’t Stop Laughing At Pakistani Journalist’s Question: Suryakumar Yadav has been in a rich vein of form recently. He scored his maiden T20I century against England a few weeks ago and even excelled in the opening position in the West Indies series.
Yadav was slotted back at number 4 against Hong Kong where his batting mayhem blew the Hong Kong bowlers away. He came into bat after KL Rahul’s dismissal, India at 94/2 at the 13-over mark and straightaway took the attack to the bowlers, sweeping his first two balls for boundaries and commencing a stunning onslaught which culminated in 4 sixes in the 20th over.
Hailed as India’s Mr 360, Suryakumar Yadav plundered 68 runs from 26 balls – walloping 6 fours and 6 sixes. His strike rate of 261 was as jaw-dropping as his knock.
Suryakumar Yadav surprised by journalist’s question about opening with Rohit Sharma
Suryakumar’s terrific ball-muscling show propelled India to a total of 192, which proved 40 runs more than what Hong Kong could manage. However, the difference could have been lesser if not for SKY’s innings because KL Rahul had a terrible time in the middle as the opener struggled to hit the ball.
In the powerplay, Rahul only scored 16 runs while facing 20 balls and eventually was dismissed for 36 runs off 39 balls. KL Rahul was heavily criticised for his slow approach and knock against Hong Kong.
Since Suryakumar had done well as an opener in West Indies, he was asked in the press conference whether he’d like to open with Rohit Sharma.
Surprised by this question, SKY burst into laughter, before explaining that he’s flexible to bat in any position.
This is how the conversation went between Suryakumar Yadav and a journalist:
Journalist: “Rohit Sharma said that you guys would be experimenting in this entire Asia Cup. Kya us experiment ka hissa ye bhi hoga that you would be opening with Rohit Sharma at some point in time? (Will you be opening the batting at some point of time in Asia Cup be a part of that experimentation?)”
Suryakumar Yadav: “Toh aap bol rahe ho ki KL bhai ko nahi khilana chaiye? (So, you are saying that we shouldn’t play KL Rahul?). See, he is also coming back from an injury. He needs some time. Maine toh jaise kaha, I’m ready to bat at any number. Coach, captain ko bolke rakkha hai koi bhi number pe batting karunga bas khilao mujhe. So things will go on like this. (I have told the coach captain that bat me anywhere but just pick me in the XI). There are a lot of things we are also trying. We want to do new things and it’s better if we try those things in the match rather than practice session, so we’ll get a better idea.”
Suryakumar added 98 runs for the third-wicket stand with Kohli, who remained unbeaten on 59 off 44 balls.
“I enjoyed a lot batting with him. We were talking a lot how to go about in the next few balls. He is such an experienced and I haven’t played many T20Is. So having the experience at that stage in the middle was crucial,” Suryakumar said.
With two wins in two games, India have qualified for the Super 4.
