Former South African cricketer Graeme Smith was all praise for Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav. He said that whenever the right-hander bats, everyone turns to the TV to watch him and it is like watching AB de Villiers in many ways. He also gave his verdict on who should be the next Indian captain
“It’s terrific to have players like Suryakumar Yadav coming through the ranks; It was almost like watching AB in many ways” – Graeme Smith
India batter Suryakumar Yadav has been batting like a dream in the T20Is. He’s in the form of his life and has performed consistently in the shortest format of the game, which has made team even stronger in the format.
Suryakumar Yadav was one of the main reasons behind India reaching the semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2022 with over 240 runs to his name. He recently became the No.1 ranked batter in the ICC T20I rankings and is the top run-getter in the T20Is this year, with over 1100 runs to his name.
He carried his purple patch in the recently concluded T20I series against New Zealand as he smashed a staggering unbeaten century (111*) in the second game at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.
His impressive run and stroke play in the T20Is has made many give him the the tag of new Mr.360. Surya has scored runs in every part of the ground his ability to score all over the park has put bowlers under immense pressure.
A year to remember for @surya_14kumar, isn't it?😍#NZvIND | #SuryakumarYadav pic.twitter.com/8aqMTHqomI
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Many have started comparing him with AB de Villiers and feel that he has surpassed the former South African skipper, who himself has claimed that Suryakumar is the new Mr.360.
Graeme Smith, who is in India for the launch of SA T20, also praised Suryakumar Yadav, saying that he was fortunate enough to watch the right-handed while commentating during the IPL. Speaking to India Today, he said:
“I’ve seen Suryakumar Yadav for a while now. I’ve been fortunate to watch him while commentating during the IPL. He grew every year. You could see he had the talent. It was almost like watching AB in many ways. You see the thinking start to get to the same level as the talent and ability.
“It’s terrific to have players like Suryakumar Yadav coming through the ranks. The talking points, the energy they bring to the game. Everyone turns to the TV to watch a player like him. It’s exciting and terrific for Indian cricket.”
“Indian cricket will figure out who that right person is to take them forward in the future,” Graeme Smith on India’s future captain
Following India’s loss in the T20 World Cup 2022, there have been many talks related to the split captaincy in Indian cricket with Hardik Pandya taking charge of the T20I side. Giving his verdict, he said:
“The thing about Indian cricket is the amount of talent they have got at the moment. Rohit waited behind Virat for a long time. Ge’s had huge success at MI as well. And Hardik obviously with GT was terrific. It’s great to have leaders in your team. Indian cricket will figure out who that right person is to take them forward in the future.” He concluded.
Suryakumar Yadav will be playing Ranji Trophy this season from 2nd match for Mumbai. (Source – TOI)
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