Journalism of Courage
Suryakumar blazed his way to a 51-ball 111 that set up India's 65-run drubbing of New Zealand in the second T20 International. (Annette Johnston, Heddfan Photography)
The world's number one batter in the shortest format, Surya is also a proven performer in red-ball cricket, having represented Mumbai for years in the domestic circuit. (Annette Johnston, Heddfan Photography)
Suryakumar Yadav has now set his sights on a Test call-up, saying it is around the corner. (Annette Johnston, Heddfan Photography)
Promoted to number three, the 32-year-old toyed with the Kiwi bowlers to lift India to a challenging 191 for six after New Zealand put the visitors in to bat. (Annette Johnston, Heddfan Photography)
Surya's recent exploits have forced many to think that he may have entered the India set-up a good two to three years late. (Annette Johnston, Heddfan Photography)
He admitted that being overlooked in the past was a bit frustrating. (Annette Johnston, Heddfan Photography)
"I also feel amazed seeing some strokes when I go back to my room, watching the highlights. Every time even if I do well or I am not doing well on that day, I do watch the highlights, but yeah, even I get surprised seeing those strokes. (Annette Johnston, Heddfan Photography)
"I never try to go ahead of the game, I never think today I am playing well so I will make 'x' number of runs because it is very important to stay in the present. (Annette Johnston, Heddfan Photography)
At the Bay Oval on Sunday, Surya smashed boundaries and sixes at will, his last 64 runs coming off just 18 balls. His entertaining innings had 11 fours and seven sixes and his strike rate was an incredible 217.64. (Annette Johnston, Heddfan Photography)
New Zealand bowlers appeared clueless as Surya strung together some extraordinary shots. (Annette Johnston, Heddfan Photography)
"I spend a lot of time on my off days with my wife, speak to my parents a lot, the one thing which keeps me grounded always is that they don't talk about the game, no discussion about the game. That's the most important thing and I will be really happy to be staying in that zone for a very long time from hereon." (Annette Johnston, Heddfan Photography)
Impressed by Surya's knock, the great Virat Kohli said he is sure "this was another video game innings by him." Coming from Kohli, Surya took it as a compliment and vouched to try to carry on in same vein. (Annette Johnston, Heddfan Photography)
"Recently we played some games together, had good partnerships, I enjoy batting with him (Kohli). One thing is that I have to run a lot because he is super fit, but, at the same time, when we are inside, we don't talk a lot about the game, we know we respect each other's game. (Annette Johnston, Heddfan Photography)
"Can't get any better than this. Everyone chipped it but it was surely a special innings by Surya. We would have taken a score of 170-175," Pandya said during the post-match presentation. (Annette Johnston, Heddfan Photography)
Adjudged Player of the Match for his sensational knock, Suryakumar said he had a clear plan when he went out to bat. (Annette Johnston, Heddfan Photography)
