Former Indian batsman VVS Laxman has rated Suryakumar Yadav as an exceptional T20 batsman. Yadav had recently received a maiden call-up to the national squad for the T20I series against England. The right-hander has been a consistent performer in the Indian Premier League and the domestic circuit and deserved his opportunity.
SKY, as he is known, had scored 480 runs in 15 innings at an average of 40 in IPL 2020 and a whirlwind strike rate of 145.02. In fact, a lot of cricket boffins feel the right-hander should have received his chances in the series against Australia but the selectors didn’t pick him.
The right-hander has played 47 matches for Mumbai Indians in which he has scored 1416 runs at an average of 35.40 and a strike rate of 135.76 in the IPL.
“He is so elegant, he is technically sound, great shots against the spin bowlers and the fast bowlers, I think he is an exceptional T20 batsman,” said Laxman while talking to Star Sports Cricket Connected.
In fact, there was a lot of talk regarding Yadav’s national selection but he wasn’t given his chances for the Australia tour. However, the 29-year old remained patient and broke the selection door with his consistent performances for Mumbai Indians and his state team, Mumbai.
“Coming into the Indian squad is a dream come true for anyone because they work hard, there is so much competition and once maybe the toughest dream in their life has been realized, nothing more pleasing and satisfying than that. What he has done is the right way to break open the door,” said Laxman.
“He has gone back to first-class cricket, scored tons of runs for Mumbai. When he is playing in the IPL, he is the main batsman along with some of the stalwarts in the Mumbai Indians team and wins matches, not only scores runs but handsomely wins matches for them,” added Laxman.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav has been in scintillating form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021. The right-hander has amassed 332 runs in the five matches he has played, at an impressive average of 66.40 and an excellent strike rate of 151.59.
Yadav will look to continue his form if he gets a chance to make his debut against England. The first T20I will be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on the 12th of March.
