Watch: Suryakumar Yadav, who played an outrageous scoop off a ball almost on the fifth-stump line for a six against Zimbabwe on Sunday, played a similar shot eight years ago in the IPL, highlighting how he always had an innovative streak to his batting.
Suryakumar first played in the IPL in 2012, when he was bought by Mumbai Indians. However, he turned out in one match and was dismissed without scoring. He had to wait two more years before making an appearance in the tournament, with Kolkata Knight Riders signing him up in 2014.
The right-hander showed glimpses of his skills that year, making 164 runs at an average of 32.80 and a strike rate of just over 140. His first four innings for the side were scores of 13 (in five balls), eight in three, 24 in 18 and 34 off 17 balls, with Suryakumar remaining unbeaten in the first three innings.
The fifth game that he played in 2014, against Rajasthan Royals, also saw the batter in full form. Kolkata Knight Riders needed 153 for a win and were well placed at 85-2 in 12.5 overs. The departure of skipper Gautam Gambhir piled on the pressure, and it was on the duo of Suryakumar and Shakib Al Hasan to take the side close.
They stitched together 49 runs in only 27 balls, with Suryakumar making 31 in 19 and the Bangladesh captain ending with an unbeaten 29 in 18 balls. One particular shot that stood out was a six by Suryakumar off the bowling of Shane Watson in the 17th over of the innings, similar in ways to the one that he played in the 2022 T20 World Cup against Zimbabwe.
Suryakumar stretched forward and got under the full-length ball that was way outside the off-stump and casually swept it over deep square leg for a six. He followed it with a four to help his side closer to the target.
However, he was dismissed two overs later as Kolkata Knight Riders lost the game in the Super Over.
Suryakumar stayed with the team till 2018, making 684 runs in 60 matches at an average of 23.59 and a strike rate of 135.71.
Watch Suryakumar Yadav’s six
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