In his first three IPL 2023 games, Suryakumar has scored only 16 runs. In his most recent outing against the Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, he was removed for a golden duck as the Mumbai Indians chased 173. This follows a three-match ODI series against Australia last month in which the Indian batter added an unwelcome record of recording three golden ducks.
Suryakumar is under a lot of pressure after scoring a golden duck against Delhi Capitals (DC) in his most recent IPL match, which was his fourth in his previous six games. Mohammad Kaif stated why Mumbai Indians should stick with Suryakumar Yadav in an interview programme “SK Match Ki Baat”.
“Even if Suryakumar Yadav makes 12 ducks, then it’s forgivable. He is the kind of player who can still be given a chance. It doesn’t matter.”
‘What Suryakumar did in England makes the bowlers scared’: Kaif
The former cricketer remembered Suryakumar Yadav’s thunderous innings against England and New Zealand last year, which marked his first two centuries in international play.
“What he did in England and New Zealand, makes the bowlers scared while bowling against him. So four ducks are nothing for him.”
During a brief tough phase, former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram expressed similar sentiments for the Mumbai-based batsman. Akram is of the opinion that the management of the MI team must support their game-winner at all costs.
Moreover, during the Mumbai Indians’ 2023 Indian Premier League match against the Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi on Tuesday (April 11), Suryakumar Yadav had an unexpected eye injury. When Axar Patel threw the ball to Suryakumar, the latter appeared ready to grab it, but he lost sight of it and the ball struck him in the eye.
Despite Surya’s disappointing performance this year, MI captain Rohit Sharma announced during the post-game ceremony that he would continue to play for MI in future contests.
While MI is undoubtedly concerned about his dismal record, the only way he can turn things around is by batting more frequently in the upcoming matches. The captain, the management, and the owners should all be supporting Surya right now because he has been MI’s match-winning player for many seasons.