"And Then I Thought": Suryakumar Yadav On Approach That Helped In Regaining Form In IPL 2023

A relaxed approach turned things around for Suryakumar Yadav who came good on Sunday with a classy 43 after aggregating just 16 runs in three previous IPL matches as Mumbai Indians beat Kolkata Knight Riders by five wickets here. Suryakumar, the world's number one T20I batter, had scores of 15, 1 and 0 before his 25-ball knock of 43, which had four boundaries and three sixes. "I relaxed and had an easy walk to the wicket, took my time for the first 6-7 balls. And then I thought if I get my eye in I can take it forward," Suryakumar, who stood in for regular captain Rohit Sharma, said.

"We just need to bat smart in the first 7-10 overs and later on we know what kind of firepower we have. We just did the same thing today and hopefully we carry it forward into the next few games." He said the team members had a chat in the dugout that they had to carry the momentum from the win in the last game.

"The boys put on a show. I would have loved to finish the game but nevertheless, I was very happy with the way the team played.

"In the afternoon we thought the wicket was a little dry, but the way the guys batted it settled down in the evening. At the Wankhede in day games, 160-170 is a good score but Kishan got us off to a great start." Ishan Kishan set up the successful run chase with a 25-ball 58 studded with five boundaries and as many sixes at the top of the order.

Suryakumar also lauded Piyush Chawla (1/19 from 4 overs) for his "legendary spell" during the KKR innings.

"He put his hand up under pressure." KKR captain Nitish Rana was not happy with the performance of his bowling unit.

"I think we could have bowled better in the powerplay. I definitely want my bowling unit to deliver more. One or two matches is fine, but it's