Mumbai Indians (MI) won their second IPL 2024 victory, defeating Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by seven wickets in a high-scoring match played at the Wankhede Stadium. The brilliant innings made by MI’s top batsman, Suryakumar Yadav, who was praised by former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who compared him to South Africa’s legendary AB de Villiers, was the game’s high point.
Playing in his second IPL 2024 encounter following a protracted injury layoff, Suryakumar Yadav displayed his 360-degree variety of shot-making on April 11, destroying the RCB spinners. MI chased down a target of 197 with 27 balls remaining as Suryakumar hammered 52 off only 19 balls, including five boundaries and four sixes.
Where do you give him a bowl? Harbhajan Singh
Former off-spinner Harbhajan Singh, who won the World Cup, was amazed by Suryakumar’s easy way of making shots. “Suriyakumar exhibits a level of dominance that I have never witnessed. Incredible. Where should you bowl him over? I am very happy that I no longer play cricket. Where would one go to bowl with this guy at this age?” Says Harbhajan to Star Sports.
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While comparing Suryakumar to the renowned AB de Villiers, the 43-year-old claimed that the MI batter is a superior version of the South African. “Suryakumar plays a different position. No one can endure Suryakumar Yadav’s brilliance. Everyone has seen the amazing player, AB de Villiers! But now that I know him, I believe he is an improved AB de Villiers. “He’s won more games for his team than anyone else currently participating in this format,” he continued.
A major factor in MI’s convincing victory over RCB was Suryakumar’s lightning-fast blow. Together with his former captain Rohit, Suryakumar stole the game away from the opposition with his vicious assault, after Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma had laid the groundwork with a 101-run opening stand.