SKY has 1 straight six & four, everything else is behind: Mukund
The 15th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen numerous batting masterclasses, but one player who has caught the attention of fans and experts alike is Mumbai Indians’ Suryakumar Yadav, fondly known as SKY. The 32-year-old has been in phenomenal form, scoring 475 runs in 11 matches, making him one of the top run-scorers in the tournament. However, according to former India cricketer Abhinav Mukund, there’s more to SKY’s game than just his impressive numbers.
In a recent interview, Mukund praised SKY’s unique batting style, stating that he has one straight four and six, and everything else is behind. “From front of square till long on, Suryakumar has not scored anything,” Mukund said, highlighting the batsman’s unorthodox approach.
Mukund’s comments are not meant to diminish SKY’s achievements, but rather to emphasize the batsman’s unique strengths. SKY has been known to play some extraordinary shots, particularly on the off-side, and his ability to score quickly in the Powerplay overs has been a significant factor in MI’s successes this season.
One of the most striking aspects of SKY’s game is his ability to score boundaries. In 11 matches, he has hit 43 fours and 16 sixes, showcasing his incredible strike rate of 137.85. Moreover, his highest score in this year’s IPL is 68* against the Chennai Super Kings, a testament to his ability to play big innings under pressure.
Mukund’s assessment of SKY’s game is also reflected in the batsman’s statistics. While he may not be scoring hundreds consistently, his ability to score at a rapid pace has made him a nightmare for opposition bowlers. SKY’s average of 30.83 may not be spectacular, but his strike rate and the way he has taken the game away from the opposition has been impressive.
Another factor that has contributed to SKY’s success is his ability to read the game. He has consistently shown an excellent understanding of the pitch conditions, the opposition’s bowling, and the situation of the game. This has enabled him to adapt his game plan accordingly, often capitalizing on the weaknesses of the opposition bowlers.
SKY’s unique approach to the game has also been praised by his teammates and coaches. Mumbai Indians’ captain Rohit Sharma has often spoken about the batsman’s incredible ability to score quickly and take the game away from the opposition. “He’s got a unique way of playing, and he’s very effective,” Sharma said in a recent interview.
The jury is still out on whether SKY’s unorthodox approach will yield long-term success at the international level. However, his performances in the IPL have been nothing short of exceptional, and it’s clear that he has evolved as a batsman over the years.
In conclusion, Mukund’s assessment of SKY’s game is a testament to the batsman’s unique strengths. While he may not be a classical batsman, his ability to score quickly and take the game away from the opposition has been impressive. As the IPL continues to unfold, fans and experts will be eagerly watching SKY’s progress, hoping that he can maintain his incredible form and lead Mumbai Indians to another title.
Source: https://x.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/1918256655554494930
