'Hardwork, Routine, Clarity of Mind': Secrets Behind Suryakumar Yadav's Match-winning Knock Against Afghanistan

Team India romped to a 47-run win over Afghanistan in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 Super 8 fixture between the teams at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Thursday.

India put up a total of 181 runs for the loss of 8 wickets riding on Suryakumar Yadav’s half-century, before bundling Afghanistan out for 134 runs thanks to three-fers from Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh.

Suryakumar was presented the Player of the Match award for his exploits with the willow on the day and explained that a lot of work and routines go into preparation ahead of games so that he can head into the fixtures with a clear head.

“I think there’s a lot of hardwork, there are a lot of processes and routine involved in it,’ he began.

“I am clear in my mind what I want to do,” he asserted.

Suryakumar Yadav became the first batter for the men in blue to pick up the MOTM award in the ongoing ICC showpiece, in which the bowlers have dominated.

He added that he does not mind that the recognition the bowlers have been receiving in the 20-over extravaganza.

“I don’t mind giving this Player of the Match to a bowler. First time it’s going to a batter (from India in this tournament), I don’t mind. I think you just need to know your game plan, and just play accordingly.

Suryakumar notched up a 60-run stand alongside Hardik Pandya in the crucial middle overs to steady the Indian innings and revealed the conversation he had with the star all-rounder.

“I still remember when Hardik came in to the bat, I told him let’s bat with the same intent. Let’s keep pressing the pedal and keep pushing,” Suryakumar elaborated.

He signed off by stating that he was pleased with the batting performance and the team’s ability to put up a strong total, which proved to be more than sufficient as the bowling unit weaved its magic yet again.

“In the end very happy with a score of 180,” he added.

India are slated to take on Bangladesh in their second Super 8 fixture on Saturday, before facing off against Australia on Monday.

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