'The Surya which we know is back' - Zaheer Khan extols Suryakumar Yadav after maiden IPL hundred

Star batter Suryakumar Yadav scored his maiden IPL hundred against Gujarat Titans on Friday, May 12 at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. The 32-year-old ripped apart the famed bowling attack of Gujarat Titans with his 360-degree stroke playing a whirlwind knock of 103 off 49 balls. Courtesy of his knock, MI posted a massive score of 218/5 batting first and went on to win the match by 27 runs.

Following his sensational innings, SKY, as he is lovingly called by his fans, got praises from the entire cricketing fraternity who were left awestruck with his unorthodox strokeplay. Former India fast bowler Zaheer Khan also extolled the swashbuckling batter and said that his form has come at the right time for Mumbai.

“The Surya which we know is back and getting better and better, especially at a crucial time. This time is going to be the most important for any team because you’re getting to the business end of the tournament. When you have Surya on song like this, anything can happen. Teams will be looking at the MI line-up carefully because he holds the key,” said Zaheer on JioCinema.

Further dissecting his approach at the crease, Khan said that Suryakumar plays with the psychology of the bowler and has great intent.

“He plays with the psychology of the bowler. Today, he was batting with calmness once again. His approach was good, his intent was good, and look at the results. He hit the ball all around the ground for 103 runs in 49 balls, and he finished it off with his signature celebration,” he added.

Suryakumar Yadav scored 83 off 35 balls against RCB

The MI batter was given his second consecutive Player of the Match award in IPL 2023 as he earlier played another mind-boggling innings of 83 off 35 balls against Royal Challengers Bangalore with seven fours and six sixes. Courtesy of his knock, MI chased down t200 in just 16.3 overs.

Following his back-to-back big innings, Suryakumar has climbed to the third spot in the race for the Orange Cap with 479 runs from 12 innings at an average of 43.54 and a strike rate of 190.83, with one hundred and four fifties to his name. With the play-offs approaching, Mumbai will be hoping that Suraykumar continues his incredible form going ahead in the tournament.