Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav’s power hitting in the Indian T20 League for Mumbai has made him a name to reckon with for many. But what many may not know is that he has also got an enormous reputation in the Indian domestic circles, when representing Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy.

Yadav made his debut in the 2010-11 Ranji season and since than has been a key member of the Mumbai side, notching up commendable performances season after season. And this put him in the radar of the Mumbai franchise in the Indian T20 League, who purchased him in
2011.

He did not stay with them long initially and moved to Kolkata after 2013 and was an effective middle-order batsman for them. His crisp strokeplay towards the death overs made him a much feared batsman to be bowling against. Suryakumar has a very novel approach to batting, one that is different from conventional hitting. He combines hard power with accurate, sensible strokeplay and that makes him a potent powerhouse. The right-handed batsman has the unique ability to align himself well with whatever be the format, T20s or first-class.

In Kolkata’s second League win in 2014, Yadav featured in all of the games, making a total of 164 runs in the 16 games that he played in. This was commendable, given the fact that he largely featured in the lower-middle order for his side. But, fewer chances later on meant that
Kolkata was not to be his eternal calling.

His homecoming was scheduled for the 2018 season onwards as Mumbai had bought him back in the auctions for the same. And this time, Suryakumar was even more belligerent and received much more opportunities than he did with his previous franchise and the previous
time he played for Mumbai itself.

SKY, as he is fondly nicknamed, shone in the very same season. With 512 runs from 14 games, Yadav was Mumbai’s highest run-getter in that edition, primarily because he was promoted to the top of the order. The following season, 2019 was another good one for him. With 424 runs from 16 games, he was only behind de Kock in terms of Mumbai’s highest scorers that season. He maintained the same tempo during the 13th edition as well and was the integral part of the Mumbai squad. At last, his hard work paid off when Yadav was handed a debut for India during the England series in 2021. His sizzling pull shot against the bowling of Jofra Archer to open his account in international cricket announced his arrival and he would look to seal his spot in the national team.