SKY has 1 straight six & four, everything else is behind: Mukund
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been a thrilling ride so far, with numerous exciting matches, stunning performances, and record-breaking numbers. Amidst the chaos, one batsman has caught everyone’s attention â Mumbai Indians’ (MI) Suryakumar Yadav, also known as SKY. The right-hander has been in blistering form, scoring 475 runs in the tournament, with a highest score of 68*. However, according to ex-India cricketer Abhinav Mukund, despite his impressive numbers, SKY’s batting style is quite peculiar.
In a recent interaction, Mukund shared his thoughts on SKY’s batting, stating that the MI batter has only one straight boundary â a six and a four â and everything else is behind that. “From front of square till long on, Suryakumar has not scored anything,” Mukund said.
Mukund’s statement might seem surprising, given SKY’s incredible form in the tournament. However, it’s essential to analyze his batting style to understand Mukund’s point. SKY has been known for his aggressive approach, often taking on the opposition’s bowlers and scoring boundaries with ease. His 68* against Rajasthan Royals (RR) was a perfect example of this, as he took the attack to the opposition’s bowlers, hitting 7 fours and 2 sixes.
However, Mukund’s statement might be hinting at the fact that SKY’s scoring is heavily reliant on his ability to hit boundaries. He doesn’t seem to be scoring runs through singles and doubles, which is an essential part of a batsman’s game. In fact, SKY’s strike rate of 147.14 in the tournament is a testament to his aggressive approach, with 37 boundaries and 14 sixes in his 475 runs.
Mukund’s comment also highlights the importance of a batsman’s ability to rotate the strike. In today’s T20 cricket, batsmen are expected to score runs at a rapid pace, but they also need to ensure that they are taking singles and doubles to keep the scoreboard ticking. SKY’s inability to score runs through singles and doubles might be a concern, as it could put pressure on the other batsmen to score quickly.
Despite Mukund’s concerns, SKY’s form is undeniable, and he has been a key player for MI in the tournament. His 68* against RR was a crucial performance, as it helped MI post a competitive total and eventually win the match. His ability to take the attack to the opposition’s bowlers has been a major advantage for MI, and he has been one of the team’s most consistent performers.
In conclusion, while Mukund’s statement might seem surprising, it highlights the importance of a batsman’s ability to score runs through singles and doubles. SKY’s aggressive approach has been effective so far, but it’s crucial for him to work on his game to become a more well-rounded batsman. As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see how SKY adapts to the challenges and whether he can maintain his impressive form.
Source: https://x.com/ESPNcricinfo/status/1918256655554494930
