Taking it one step, one game at a time: Suryakumar Yadav

Not many years ago Mumbai’s Suryakumar Yadav was rewarded for his domestic performance with the responsibility to lead India U-23 for the Emerging Teams Cup in Singapore which the men in blue went on to win eventually.

It had talented players like KL Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, Axar Patel and Sandeep Sharma who went on to be part of senior team at some point or the other, but Yadav’s journey could not go beyond that and he remained as one of the senior pros for Mumbai in Ranji Trophy.

The reason could be a bit of lack of consistency and some luck which held him back.

Yadav wants to forget all that happened. He has set out a new ambition with a proper plan and show the world what kind of a talent he possesses.

“I think I have forgotten what happened before. I haven’t thought about what went wrong. What is gone is gone and I am not thinking about it. My focus is on doing things right now and work hard. Take it one step and one game at a time. Whatever follows is destiny,” Yadav told DNA on Thursday.

That he is also walking the talk was proved when the talented batsman came up with a breathtaking performance with the bat in the final of the inaugural T20 Mumbai League for North East Mumbai Triumph Knights against Shivaji Park Lions at the Wankhede on Wednesday night.

Knights emerged champions in a thrilling tie by three runs.

Coming at time when Knights were struggling at 34/5 while batting first, Yadav along with Parikshit Valsangkar (59) turned the table on its head with a 42-ball 90 with seven fours and as many sixes taking 182 for five in 20 overs.

And mind you, it was a knock that will be remembered for years by the 25,000 plus odd spectators, for not just the rescue act but the brilliant shots that he executed, which included sweeps to fast bowlers and sixes over covers off yorkers.

“On a personal note and team’s point of view it was a very special knock which came in a big final. I did not get get a lot of runs in the beginning. It was important for me to step up. When we were 34/5 I told the my partner that there is nothing to lose and last game of the tournament. And that we should just express ourselves and whatever the situations is,” he said.

How does he come up with those outrageous shots (sweeps) which not many can execute? “They are my favourite shots and I like taking on fast bowlers and spinners. I’m working more on my game and to trying hit more sixes and boundaries over mid off and long off, which will help me in big tournament against good bowlers. I want to have more shots in my armoury which will help me succeed and more options of strokes.”

“I focus on perfect and quality practice session. I switch on the bowling machines and practice 4-5 buckets. If I have trouble in certain areas I work on it and work in match situations,” he added.

Yadav said the match-winning knock coming ahead of the Indian Premier League will do good to his confidence. “It’s very important to have runs behind your back as it gives you confidence. I have always enjoyed playing at Wankhede. I started from Mumbai Indians (in IPL) before and now I am coming back home. I am excited to go ahead,” said Yadav.

The Chembur boy also plans to get back to his natural game in longer format next season. “I like to play natural game in that format. I will be doing the same season in the next season. I will be batting the same way as I was batting three-four years back,” he concluded.

Yadav in T20 Mumbai League

• 3 vs Sobo Supersonic
• 35 vs Shivaji Park Lions
• 2 vs Arcs Andheri
• 36 vs Namo Bandra Blasters
• 15 vs North Mumbai Panthers
• 63 vs Sobo Supersonics
• 90 vs Shivaji Park Lions