Suryakumar's IPL blitz eases comeback concerns ahead of T20 World Cup

AFP

Mumbai Indians batter Suryakumar Yadav blew away the cobwebs with a rapid fifty in Thursday's Indian Premier League (IPL) match to ease India's concerns over his return to action ahead of the T20 World Cup in June.

The top ranked batter in T20 Internationals, Suryakumar missed Mumbai's first three matches of the season as he completed his recovery from an ankle injury and a sports hernia operation.

The 33-year-old is virtually assured of his place in the India squad for the T20 World Cup in the US and West Indies but was out for a duck in his first match of the season against Delhi Capitals on Sunday.

Suryakumar was back in his element in Thursday's home match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, however, smashing 52 off 19 balls in a knock that included four sixes.

After Jasprit Bumrah (5-21) had restricted Bengaluru to 196-8, Mumbai took charge as Ishan Kishan (69) and Rohit Sharma (38) plundered 101 runs inside nine overs.

"Chasing (around) 200 at the Wankhede, it's important to know if there is any dew factor," Suryakumar said after Mumbai cruised to a seven-wicket victory with 27 balls to spare.

"If it is, you got to take your chances and that's what we did today.

"When we passed the 10th over, the game was all set by Ishan and Rohit. We knew we had to finish early for that net run-rate thing."

Suryakumar's display of unorthodox shotmaking included a scoop from outside the off-stump that raced to the fine leg boundary and a sliced six off Reece Topley over deep point.

"I practise these shots a lot, it's in my muscle memory now," he said.

Bumrah's sublime bowling saw him named player of the match and Suryakumar is happy they are on the same side.

"It's been two to three years that I've never batted against Jasprit in the nets," Suryakumar said of his Mumbai and India team mate.

"Either he breaks my bat, or my foot."

More from Sports

  • Arsenal go top as title race goes down to final day

    Arsenal's Leandro Trossard capitalised on dreadful defending to secure a 1-0 win against Manchester United that saw the Gunners climb back to the top of the Premier League, ensuring the title race will be decided on the final day.

  • Pogacar retains overall Giro D'Italia lead

    UAE Team Emirates rider Tadej Pogacar has retained his overall lead after Dutchman Olav Kooij won stage nine of the Giro d'Italia on Sunday, pipping Jonathan Milan by half a wheel right at the finish line in a breathless sprint at the end of a 214-km ride from Avezzano to Naples.

  • McIlroy wins fourth Wells Fargo Championship title

    Rory McIIroy claimed his fourth Wells Fargo Championship after a superb back nine saw him finish -17 par having trailed by two shots after seven holes.

  • Djokovic suffers shock Italian Open defeat

    Alejandro Tabilo claimed the biggest win of his career beating world number one Novak Djokovic 6-2 6-3 in the third round of the Italian Open, two days after the Serbian was hit on the head by a water bottle.

  • Norwich and Leeds goalless in Championship play-offs first leg

    Norwich City and Leeds United played out a goalless draw in the first leg of their Championship play-offs semi-final tie as both teams seek a return to the Premier League.

Latest Blogs

  • PINOY BULLETIN: APRIL 29 -MAY 12, 2024

    Pinoy Expat Corner

    Welcome to Pinoy Bulletin, your go-to source for staying informed about important announcements, exciting group activities, community events, and job opportunities!

  • PINOY BULLETIN: APRIL 15 -19, 2024

    Pinoy Expat Corner

    Welcome to Pinoy Bulletin, your go-to source for staying informed about important announcements, exciting group activities, community events, and job opportunities!

  • PINOY BULLETIN: APRIL 01 - 05, 2024

    Pinoy Expat Corner

    Welcome to Pinoy Bulletin, your go-to source for staying informed about important announcements, exciting group activities, community events, and job opportunities!