New Delhi: Mumbai Indians batter Suryakumar Yadav after being dismissed during the IPL 2023 cricket match between Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, Tuesday, April 11, 2023. (PTI Photo/Ravi Choudhary) After becoming India’s foremost limited-overs players in 2022, and becoming the World No. 1 T20 batsmen, Suryakumar Yadav’s form has has taken a downturn recently.
The Indian came into the IPL on the back of three consecutive golden ducks in India’s ODI series defeat to Australia at home, and has struggled to find momentum in the tournament so far.
Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram, however, does not believe there is any reason to worry about Suryakumar’s form, claiming that these bad phases are common among even the best batsmen.
“With Suryakumar, form is temporary and class is forever,” he told Sportskeeda. “I can understand, when you’re out of form, you try to play the first few balls conservatively, save your wicket and look for a single. These tough moments happen even to the best.”
Akram added that it is down to India and Mumbai’s team management to be clever with the 32-year-old, and show him the kind of support that is needed for him to get back to his best.
“They need to put an arm around his shoulder and tell him: ‘you’re our match winner, we believe in you,’” he added. “I’m sure he has the ability to win matches all on his own. This year, we will see him pull off at least one unbelievable performance which only he can do.”
Speaking with Akram was former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif, who had similar confidence in Suryakumar’s abilities: “He has made four golden ducks. He can make six, eight, or even 12, and it’s forgiven. He still must keep his place in the team.”
Mumbai Indians have not been the most consistent performers in the early days of the IPL. They have won just one of their first three matches – a nail biter against Delhi Capitals in which skipper Rohit Sharma and Tilak Verma were forced to do much of the heavy lifting with the bat. During that time, Suryakumar has hit just 16 runs in three games.
As Mumbai look to return to form as they host Kolkata Knight Riders on Saturday, Suryakumar will hope for much of the same at a personal level.
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