India all-rounder Hardik Pandya said on Thursday heaped rich praise on Suryakumar Yadav, saying that the India batter has been making the most of his opportunities in T20I cricket despite having earned his India call-up “late”. Hardik said the Mumbai Indians batter should have played for India at least two years earlier but the hunger is helping him reach new heights.
Suryakumar has evolved into one of India’s batting mainstays in T20I cricket after having made his T20I debut in March 2021. Suryakumar showcased his authority against England on his debut at home. Suryakumar hasn’t looked back since, scoring more than 1200 runs at an average of 42 and a staggering strike rate of 180. He became the first Indian to score more than 1000 runs in T20Is in a calendar year in 2022.
Suryakumar has set the stage on fire in T20 World Cup 2022, scoring 225 runs in 5 matches, standing out from the rest against some fine bowling attacks. The Mumbai batter’s strike rate has been a decisive factor in helping India post above-par totals.
“Suryakumar Yadav entered international cricket a little late. I think he should have played for India at least two years back,” Hardik Pandya told Star Sports ahead of India’s T20 World Cup 2022 semi-final against England.
Furthermore, Hardik Pandya also said he was trying to stay calm and help keep his teammates composed ahead of the big semi-final. Notably, Hardik and Virat Kohli addressed the team huddle ahead of the toss in Adelaide on Thursday.
“Pretty excited. Every ball will matter a lot but at the same time, trying to keep everyone calm and follow the processes. A lot of people ask me how I keep myself calm. It comes from preparation and you know when the time comes, you will be able to perform,” Hardik added.
