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In the midst of a challenging phase during the IPL season, Suryakumar Yadav sought counsel from none other than the legendary MS Dhoni. Amidst concerns about his form and performance, Dhoni's inquiry went beyond cricket and delved into the state of Yadav's mind.
Recalling the conversation on the eve of Mumbai Indians' final league match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Suryakumar Yadav shared they didn't delve much into cricket. Dhoni simply wanted to ensure that his mental state was sound.
At times, all it takes is a clear and uncluttered mind. For a player like Suryakumar Yadav, maintaining mental clarity is crucial, especially when he engages in calculated stroke play and strategic manoeuvres against bowlers.
He seems to have gained a lot of insights from his experiences in the past year. Last year was filled with highs, but this year, Suryakumar Yadav's game faced a series of low scores, including three ducks in four-five games.
Suryakumar Yadav claimed that finding the right balance and staying grounded is easier said than done.
He further emphasised that maintaining consistency in one's personal life, regardless of success or failure, significantly impacts performance on the field. Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged that during the initial phase of the IPL, he found himself preoccupied with thoughts about his runs. However, by reverting to the same successful strategies he employed last year, Suryakumar Yadav regained his form and composure.
This transformation was reminiscent of how he triumphed over the haunting memories of three golden ducks against Australia in ODIs. Despite a slow start in the league, with scores of 15, 1 and 0 in his first three innings, Suryakumar Yadav went on to enjoy his most prolific IPL season, amassing an impressive 486 runs at an outstanding strike rate of 186.92.
Before the crucial match at the Wankhede Stadium, Suryakumar Yadav took to the nets early, practising against simulated bowlers and honing his skills with a 360-degree approach. He revealed that he reserves some shots for the game, but the strokes he executes during matches are often practised during training.
Suryakumar Yadav's game revolves around playing on the field and minimising risks while maximising rewards. Although he might not have the brute strength to hit massive sixes, he takes pride in discovering unique angles to score boundaries, which he believes come with limited risk.
Asked about the possibility of adding more shots to his repertoire, Suryakumar Yadav playfully remarked that with such a vast ground, there are still many unexplored areas, but when everything is working well he doesn't need to seek something new.
Suryakumar Yadav optimistically says that he doesn’t prepare for the 'what-ifs' but wants to remain focussed on playing a good game, as the aim has always been to achieve that perfect performance, hoping it will materialise.
FAQs
Who did Suryakumar Yadav turn to during a challenging phase in IPL 2023?
Suryakumar Yadav sought advice from MS Dhoni.
What remarkable performance did Yadav achieve during IPL 2023?
Yadav had his most prolific IPL season, scoring 486 runs at a strike rate of 186.92.
How did Yadav prepare for matches?
He practised against simulated bowlers and adopted a 360-degree approach in the nets.
What is Yadav's approach to playing in matches?
Yadav plays on the field and focuses on less risky, high-reward shots.
What impact does Yadav believe an uncluttered mind has on his game?
An uncluttered mind helps Yadav make better decisions and find unique angles for boundaries.
How do Mumbai Indians approach the crucial matches in the IPL?
Mumbai Indians focus on playing a good game and do not dwell on the possibility of not making it to the playoffs.
