Suryakumar Yadav has scored numerous runs with his trademark pick-up shot throughout the years. However, his bold stroke has cost him in recent matches, including the third T20I against South Africa on Sunday, December 14, at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala.
In the third T20I, the Men in Blue had a modest target of 118 runs. After Abhishek Sharma‘s magnificent cameo, the chase became a piece of cake for the Indian batters. Suryakumar, who batted at No. 4, appeared poised to lead his team to a resounding victory. Suryakumar, however, holed out Ottneil Baartman to fine-leg off Lungi Ngidi’s bowling with only nine runs remaining for win.
He attempted to execute his renowned pick-up shot, but only struck the ball with the bottom part of the bat. The Mumbai hitter had to walk the lengthy distance back to the dugout after scoring 12 runs off 11 deliveries.
Sunil Gavaskar encouraged Suryakumar Yadav to avoid playing the shot till he was back among the runs.
This year, the latter has failed to reach a half-century in T20Is. In his first three encounters against the Proteas, he has scored only 29 runs.
“It has been a very, very productive shot for him. Now, when you are not in form, it’s only gone up in the air instead of going the distance, and well inside the boundary. So maybe, until he starts to get going, he should look to keep that shot in cold storage,” Gavaskar said on commentary.
“Because it’s getting him out and India doesn’t require Suryakumar Yadav scoring only 12 runs,” the former India captain added.
India went on to chase the target in 15.5 overs, with seven wickets in hand. They have taken a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. A win on Wednesday in the fourth T20I in Lucknow will help them take an unassailable lead.
India
