'Started Chewing my Gum Even Harder': Suryakumar Yadav's Hilarious Response to Query Over Virat Kohli's Dismissal; Watch

Suryakumar Yadav continued his good form as he scored his scored his second successive half-century of the 2024 T20 World Cup against Afghanistan during India’s opening match of the Super 8 stage on Thursday.

After opting to bat first, India were left wobbling when Rashid Khan struck thrice in as many overs to send back Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli and Shivam Dube in quick succession.

Also Read: Suryakumar’s Animated Chat with Rashid Khan

Suryakumar though was fluent as he kept on finding boundaries and in Hardik Pandya found an able partner as the pair took control in the middle overs.

Suryakumar completed his half-century off 27 deliveries with a six and four off successive deliveries. However, he departed on 53, right after having reached the milestone.

Thanks to his effort, India posted challenging 181/8 in 20 overs.

Speaking to the broadcaster during a mid-innings chat, the 33-year-old said he enjoys batting the middle-phase of the innings.

“That’s what I have practised and did a a lot of match simulations for that. I enjoy batting from overs 7-15 because that’s the most difficult phase where the other team try and control the game. I like to take charge in that phase, I enjoy it,” Surya said.

When asked what was going through his mind when Kohli (24 off 24) holed out in the 9th over, Suryakumar gave a cheeky response.

“I started chewing my gum even harder when he (Kohli) got out. I knew I have played this phase before. I just backed my game and my instincts. Most importantly the intent had to be good that time,” he said.

When asked what he thinks about his captain Rohit Sharma’s comment on him having to elevate his game being a senior batter, Suryakumar said it’s a motivation for him to do even better.

“It’s obviously is a motivation. I have played a lot of cricket with him (Rohit) and now under him, he understands my game. When there’s ups and down in my cricket, he doesn’t tell me anything because he knows my game. He just sits back and enjoys it,” he said.

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