I just try to stay one step ahead of the opposition: Suryakumar Yadav

Riding high on the confidence of backtoback victories to top Group A in Asia Cup 2022 India will be looking to carry on their perfect run in the tournament when they face archrivals Pakistan in their first Super Four match at the Dubai International Stadium on SundayWith high anticipation around the rematch of the greatest rivalry in the world of cricket righthanded batter Suryakumar Yadav believes that his recent great performances have come due to him staying in his zone and focusing on his gameSuryakumar had set the stage on fire against Hong Kong when he smashed an unbeaten 68 runs off just 26 balls after coming out to bat in the last seven overs Suryakumar sent the ball all around the park hitting six fours and as many sixes at a strike rate of 26153 which garnered him high praise from the likes of Virat Kohli other teammates and critics of the gameObviously when I was growing up there have been lots of talks regarding the IndiaPakistan game and people say its the greatest rivalry but when I or anyone go on the ground its like we are playing just another game When we enter the field all our preparations all our routines what we have been doing for any other game it just reflects on the groundSo when I go on the ground its all the same I dont think what rivalry has been happening and what the expectations from outside etc are So I just try to stay in my zone and play the game said Suryakumar on Follow the Blues show on Star SportsSuryakumar further elaborated on how his mentality before highintensity matches has to be and the preparation for the same For me I think my preparations have always been on top What I have done in the last threefour years with my game go sit in the room and watch my batting again and againJust try and stay one step ahead of any other team So I feel that the preparations have always been on top and these things have helped me till now and I will follow that again and againAlso Read Asia Cup 2022 Jadejas injury comes as a huge blow to Team IndiaSince his T20I debut against England in March 2021 Suryakumar has often been applauded for his ability to play astonishing shots and more popularly a 360degree player But it is the sweep shot which holds a special place in his heart while playingI love playing the sweep shot to the spinners as well as to the fast bowlers whenever I feel I have to play that but its need of the hour to play everywhere on the ground and so I just try and be myselfIn the 23 T20I innings since his India T20I debut Suryakumar has scored 758 runs at an average of 3989 and a strike rate of 17751 including six halfcenturies and one century In 2022 he is leading the batting charts for India in the shortest format of the game amassing 514 runs in 14 innings at an average of 4283 and strike rate of 19037I think with the way cricket is going on I used to play the same way in Ranji Trophy Obviously not sweeping around the fast bowler playing the scoop But my game my mindset was the same when I was playing red ball as well Its same for all three formats it doesnt change from a T20 to a oneday So my mindset remains the same I try and express myself as much as I canAnd with the way things were panned at that moment I just wanted to be a little different So I tried a few strokes in the nets started watching my batting again and again where I can excel and what areas I can improvise more so those are the things that really helped me and I started practising that in the net sessions and it all went well during the game So really happy with the way things are going concluded SuryakumarThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever