SKY has 1 straight six & four, everything else is behind: Mukund
The ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has seen several outstanding performances from various cricketers, and one such player is Mumbai Indians’ (MI) Suryakumar Yadav, also known as SKY. The right-handed batsman has been in sublime form, scoring 475 runs in the tournament so far. However, according to former India cricketer Abhinav Mukund, SKY’s batting style is quite one-dimensional, with only one straight four and six being his scoring areas.
In an interview with ESPNcricinfo, Mukund analyzed SKY’s batting, stating, “SKY has one straight four and six, and everything else is behind. From the front of square till long on, Suryakumar has not scored anything.” This comment has sparked a debate among cricket enthusiasts, with some agreeing with Mukund’s assessment and others defending SKY’s batting.
Mukund’s statement is based on his observation of SKY’s batting style, which is characterized by his ability to hit boundaries through the off-side, particularly the straight six. The 68* he scored against the Delhi Capitals (DC) is a testament to his skills, as he dominated the bowling attack, hitting 5 fours and 2 sixes. However, Mukund’s point is that SKY’s scoring areas are limited, and he struggles to score runs through the mid-wicket and long-on regions.
SKY’s highest score in IPL 2025 is 68*, which he achieved against DC. In that match, he played a crucial role in taking MI out of a difficult situation, scoring 68 runs off 45 balls to help his team chase down a target of 177. His innings included 5 fours and 2 sixes, showcasing his ability to score quickly and aggressively.
However, Mukund’s criticism of SKY’s batting is not without merit. The right-handed batsman has been struggling to score runs through the mid-wicket and long-on regions, which is a crucial aspect of modern-day batting. In an era where teams are focusing on building strong batting lineups with players who can score runs in all areas of the field, SKY’s one-dimensional batting style may be a concern for MI.
Moreover, SKY’s inability to score runs through the mid-wicket and long-on regions has been exposed in several matches, particularly when the wicket is not conducive to his style of play. In such conditions, his batting becomes predictable, and the opposition can plan accordingly to restrict him.
On the other hand, SKY’s fans would argue that his ability to score runs in the traditional areas of the field is a significant strength. His ability to hit boundaries through the off-side is unmatched, and his willingness to take risks and play aggressively has been instrumental in MI’s success.
In conclusion, while Mukund’s statement may have sparked controversy, it is based on his observation of SKY’s batting style. As a former India cricketer, Mukund has a deep understanding of the game, and his assessment of SKY’s batting is not without merit. However, it is also important to remember that SKY’s ability to score runs through the off-side is a significant strength, and his willingness to take risks has been instrumental in MI’s success.
As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how SKY adapts to different bowling attacks and conditions. Will he be able to expand his scoring areas, or will his one-dimensional batting style continue to be a concern for MI? Only time will tell, but for now, SKY remains one of the most feared batsmen in the IPL, and his ability to score runs through the off-side is a significant asset for his team.
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