(Source PCB)
Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram provided insights into how bowlers can effectively challenge Suryakumar Yadav in T20 cricket. Akram suggested that bowlers should adopt an around-the-wicket angle and target yorkers on the off-stump.
Suryakumar Yadav is renowned for his proficiency in T20s, making him a formidable batsman to bowl to. His ability to effortlessly change the game’s momentum and play shots across the field distinguishes him from his peers.
Yadav’s skill in manufacturing shots from challenging positions often leaves bowlers struggling to contain him, resulting in runs being scored against them in the shortest format of the game.
Currently a key player for India in the T20 World Cup 2024, Suryakumar Yadav’s outstanding form has been instrumental in India’s journey to the semi-finals. He will be eager to leave a significant impact in the crucial match against England.
Wasim Akram discussed strategies for dismissing Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the semi-final clash. Drawing from Dwayne Bravo’s approach, Akram mentioned how the former West Indies bowler’s use of yorkers from around the wicket was effective against Indian batsmen. In an interview with Sportskeeda, Akram elaborated on these tactics.
“If you think what will happen now? You’ll get hit. He has so many shots, you’ll make a mistake. You shouldn’t have any negativity in your mind. I don’t see any league where a right-arm fast bowler goes around a wicket and does a yorker after an off-stump like Darren Bravo used to do if you remember. Yes. No one does that. That will come from practice. This is not rocket science. The young bowlers who are watching this show should also try to go around the around the wicket and hit the ball from the blue line.
“For that, the field will change. For that,the third man will be up. The point will go back a little. An extra cover will be outside the boundary. An extra cover will be inside the circle. And the mid-off will be down. For that, maybe you’ll have to keep the fine leg up. Maybe you’ll have to keep the square leg up. Let him go there. Let him hit. Then you follow him. That won’t be a wide ball.
Wasim Akram says If you’re already a little scared, maybe Sky will come. What will happen? Then you’ll get hit
Wasim Akram emphasized that facing batsmen like Suryakumar Yadav, who can score all around the ground, challenges a bowler’s mental approach. He stressed the importance of embracing this challenge with a positive mindset and appreciating the opportunity it presents. Akram elaborated on this perspective:
“So, I would have done this and that. I wouldn’t have come and git hit for sixes. Maybe I would have been hit. No doubt, I would have been hit. But at least, I would have changed my plan. I would not have been predictable as a bowler. It depends on your mindset as a bowler. If you’re already a little scared, maybe Sky will come. What will happen? Then you’ll get hit. You should be looking forward to these kinds of challenges as a bowler. It’s difficult.
“You can get hit. But I have to get him out. And only when you can get saved in T20, you’ll have to gim him out. Especially in the last 5-6 overs. If you don’t go for the out, if you go to save, then you’ll have to get hit by the bowler. So, at that stage, mindset is very important. Never think.You shouldn’t have negativity in your mind. Always be positive. Always go for the wicket,” he concluded.
