Suryakumar Yadav’s ascension to No. 1 rated hitter in T20I cricket has astonished legendary South African player AB de Villiers. SKY’s ability to score runs all over the field has attracted parallels to De Villiers.
In round about 2018, Suryakumar Yadav became known as a top-rated T20 hitter with the Mumbai Indians (MI). However, before this, he played with the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). There, he demonstrated moments of talent but lacked steady performance.
In an interview with Star Sports, AB de Villiers recounted his first encounter with Suryakumar Yadav as a young batter in the IPL and attempted to decipher what has transformed the latter into a world-beater. He stated:
“The first few years of me seeing him (SKY) play in the IPL, he was very circumspect, always consolidated in trying to build an innings. Now he is also doing that but it is almost like the platform is there for him to look for the opportunity to sort of take control of the game. That’s where a batter becomes dangerous. The minute he sees an opportunity, he takes it.”
AB de Villiers
De Villiers further added:
“I am very impressed and surprised. I didn’t see anything when I was playing in the IPL with him. It’s just great to see players exploring different avenues and just growing into a player no one saw coming.”
AB de Villiers
Suryakumar Yadav Learns to Be Patient – AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers believes that the only thing that may prevent Suryakumar Yadav from fulfilling his potential is if he tries too hard. De Villiers stressed the necessity of recognizing opportunities to make an effect on the game.
In response, he stated:
“I hope he never falls into the trap of trying to push it too hard. As a player, I always respected the situation. Always wait for your opportunity, be patient and you will get it. I believe he has the potential to take it to the next level.”
AB de Villiers
Suryakumar Yadav may likely prove to be India’s key player in the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the West Indies and the USA next year.
