Suryakumar Yadav the exceptional Indian cricketer has frequently illuminated his playful persona through social media interactions and interviews. Notably the press meet following Indias T20 World Cup Super 8 game against Afghanistan highlighted another instance where the topranked T20 International batsman flaunted his charming sense of humor.
Before posing his inquiry, a reporter addressed Suryakumar as ‘Siraj’, referring to Indian bowler Mohammed Siraj, and struggled slightly before realizing his error. Suryakumar saw the lighter side of things and said:
“Siraj to nahi hai yaar. Siraj bhai khana kha rahe hai (laughs) (Siraj isn’t here, mate. Siraj is having his food)”
Here’s the video posted by ICC:
Suryakumar Yadav got the Player of the Match award after his amazing innings of 53 off 28 balls, which enabled the Men in Blue defeat Afghanistan by 47 runs.
“The most important thing was the intent needed to be good” – Suryakumar Yadav on taking charge in the middle overs
India were in trouble after losing Virat Kohli for 24 and introducing two new batters, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube, to the crease. However, SKY grabbed command of the situation and launched his counter-attack against Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan. That gave him and India the much-needed momentum to finish on 181/8 in 20 overs.
Here’s what Suryakumar said to the host broadcaster following his knock:
“I started chewing my gum even harder when he (Kohli) got out (laughs). But I knew I have played this phase before and how to bat in this phase and the left-hander coming in it became a little easier. The most important thing was the intent needed to be good at that time and that’s where I backed myself.”
Suryakumar Yadav
India will meet Bangladesh in their second Super 8 game on Saturday, June 22, at North Sound in Antigua.