IPL 2024: Brian Lara In Awe Of Suryakumar Yadav's Batting After Coming From Long Hiatus

As the arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) lock horns in IPL 2024 'El Clasico' on Sunday evening, former West Indies cricketer Brian Lara heaped praise on MI batter Suryakumar Yadav for his impressive batting on returning from injury layoff. While sharing his insights on the impending showdown between Yadav and CSK spinner Ravindra Jadeja. Lara first commended the Chennai spinner for his exceptional skills, noting that he would rely on slower balls in most encounters.

Speaking on Star Sports Cricket Live, the former West Indies cricketer said, "Yeah, it's a battle, but you know, okay, those are some stats that you pull out. I mean, those are the times when he may have failed, but this guy is in superb form. And I mean, if he wants to succumb to that and say, okay, I'm going to rematch against you later. I've got other guys I can take on. He can do that as well."

"But I believe that the confidence that he's in, whether it's left arm spin or left arm pace, whatever you call it, I think he's going to drop the slower balls for most battles. And when you have to actually put pace on the ball, it's always dicey. You like pace on the ball where you can carve it in different directions," he said.

Additionally, the West Indian emphasised the anticipation of an intriguing battle from Suryakumar, implying that it would be one to watch closely.

Missing the first three games for MI after a lengthy layoff caused by an ankle injury and sports hernia surgery, Suryakumar joined the Mumbai squad for the match against Delhi Capitals but was out for a duck.

But the batter returned in top form in the next encounter against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and smashed a 19-ball 52, joint second-fastest fifty for MI.