Mumbai Indians (MI) experienced Suryakumar Yadav praised Punjab Kings (PBKS) youngster Ashutosh Sharma. He called Sharma’s innings astonishing: a 61-run knock from 28 deliveries during their IPL 2024 Mullanpur clash on April 18.
Walking out to bat at 77/6, Ashutosh turned the game around and nearly grabbed victory from the jaws of loss until he arrived at the plate. Suryakumar applauded the Punjab batter for expressing himself and engaging the audience.
Here’s what Suryakumar Yadav had to say about Ashutosh Sharma’s innings in a video that the Indian Premier League posted, speaking with Tilak Varma:
“Ashutosh also played a brilliant knock. It was complete entertainment for the crowd. Got to learn a lot from him on how to bat in such situations and thankfully we are going from here with two points. Hopefully, we can continue the momentum.”
Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar and Tilak Varma had an important combination that helped MI score a whopping 192/7 in 20 overs on a tough wicket. Tilak produced a fantastic 34* from only 18 balls. SKY praised him, adding:
“As soon as Tilak Varma came to the crease, I thought I had a spring in my step (Tilak laughs). I was a bit stuck for 7-8 balls and he got me out of trouble. To play on such a pitch with a strike rate of 200 is no mean feat but people forget such innings.”
Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav top-scored for the Mumbai Indians with 78 off 53 balls, serving as the visitors’ anchor on a two-paced pitch.
Suryakumar Yadav on his celebration
Suryakumar Yadav, who had just turned fifty, was spotted pointing to someone in the MI dugout and taking a big breath. When Tilak inquired why, SKY revealed how important the half-century was to him and how Mumbai planned for one batsman to bat deep.
On this, he said:
“Some innings mean a lot more to you and this was one of those. I had to grind and dig deep on a tricky pitch. So I took a deep breath, tapped the logo and dedicated the fifty to those who were sitting in the dugout and clapping.”
Suryakumar Yadav
Mumbai Indians will be ecstatic to win by nine runs and earn two critical points as they climb up to sixth place in the IPL 2024 points table.