IPL 2023: Virat Kohli hugs Suryakumar Yadav in endearing gesture after latter's blitzkrieg innings against RCB

Mumbai Indians (MI) batter Suryakumar Yadav unleashed mayhem at the iconic Wankhede Stadium in their resounding win against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by six wickets. Following his blitzkrieg, RCB's flamboyant batter Virat Kohli came up with a touching gesture to congratulate Suryakumar on his knock.

Chasing a 200-run target, the five-time winners were handed a decent head start courtesy of Ishan Kishan’s quickfire 21-ball 42. Despite RCB getting the breakthroughs, Suryakumar took the onus to get the big runs as he clobbered the rival bowling unit with his varied range of shots all over the park. 

Smoking 83 runs off mere 35 balls at a strike rate of 237.14, which featured six sixes and seven fours, Suryakumar earned praises from not just fans but also rival team player, Kohli. Following the masterclass innings, the former RCB skipper went up to Suryakumar and gave the latter a warm hug to congratulate. It is no secret that the two have massive regard and respect for each other as displayed on numerous occasions in the past while playing for team India. 

Vinay Yadav@Vinay_Yadav_Sp

Beautiful moment of the day. Virat Kohli 🤝 Suryakumar Yadav. @sachin_rt @imVkohli @sky_14 @surya_14kumar @MR360 #SuryakumarYadav

01:09 AM · May 10, 2023

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I know my game, don't do anything different: Suryakumar Yadav

Notably, the batter collected the Player of the match award for his massive contribution in Mumbai’s win. Impressively, the pair of Suryakumar and Nehal Wadhera combined to raise a 140-run partnership which came off just 66 balls as the five-time winners completed the 200-run chase in record 99 balls. Following the win, Suryakumar spoke about his gameplay on how to counter the RCB bowling unit and his partnership with Wadhera.

“Much needed from team's point of view. I am very happy to win a home game like this. I mean they come up with a plan. They tried to make me hit to the bigger part. Take the pace off and bowl slow. I said Nehal let's hit it hard and hit it into the gaps and run hard,” Suryakumar told during the post-match presentation.

“Your practice has to be the same what you intend to do in matches. I know where my runs are. We have open net sessions. I know my game. I don't do anything different,” he added