Gautam Gambhir highlights Suryakumar Yadav's biggest strength

Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir have shared a long bond between them as it was the latter who roped in SKY for Kolkata Knight Riders in 2014. In the following four seasons, he would go on to play 54 games that firmly established him as an abled finisher.

Surya continues to be a driving force in the current Indian cricket team and is one of the most vital cogs in the batting echelons of the Men in Blue in the ongoing T20 World Cup. He also clinched the pole position in the ICC T20I batter’s rankings, surpassing Mohammad Rizwan after a reckoning knock against South Africa.

His former IPL captain, Gambhir spoke about Surya’s unconventional way of batting being his biggest strength. Talking on Star Sports, Gambhir stated, “Let's not give him names like 360, there's a lot of work to do. He's got loads of talent. Whether it is 360, 180 or 1 degree, it doesn't matter. He has the game. He knows what he's doing. When a traditional coach sees him he can say, 'he's got an open stance, he doesn't get behind the line' but he has been successful with what he has got. He has scored runs at first-class cricket and in every format. Hopefully he gets a chance in Test cricket and he'll do well.”

He further added, “He (Suryakumar) might not have the best cover drive like the others (Indian batters) but he has that 180-strike rate which is much more valuable than that of the other Indian batters.”

The year 2022 has so far been a phenomenal one for SKY in the international circuit where he blasted a century against England in the latter’s backyard while backing it up with some solid performances against Australia, South Africa and now in the T20 World Cup.

So far in his T20I career, SKY has played 38 T20Is and amassed 1209 runs at a stunning strike rate of 177. Despite a silent start to the showpiece event, he has grown in confidence and stature and continues to be a leading figure in India’s batting unit.