SKY was adjudged Player of the Match vs Australia [X.Com]
In a historic moment for Indian cricket, Suryakumar Yadav not only captained the side for the first time but also showcased his prowess with the bat in the first match of the five-match home T20I series against Australia.
The T20I at Visakhapatnam on Thursday witnessed a stellar performance from the Mumbaikar, propelling India to a memorable run-chase and earning him the well-deserved Player of the Match Award.
Surya getting closer to Kohli's record
The victory marked Suryakumar Yadav’s 13th Player of the Match accolade in just 54 T20I appearances, pacing him in the striking distance of the iconic Virat Kohli, who led with 15 awards in 115 matches. Yadav was standing ahead of seasoned campaigner Rohit Sharma, boasting 12 Player of the Match awards in 148 matches.
Yadav’s captaincy stint had been nothing short of spectacular. In the crucial Vizag encounter, he was leading from the front with a scintillating 42-ball 80, displaying a wide array of 360-degree strokes that left opposition bowlers perplexed and fans in awe. This innings was not only showcasing his cricketing prowess but also underlining his resilience, bouncing back from criticism following the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 final against Australia.
Critics had questioned Yadav’s ability to deliver under pressure, but his innings in Vizag was serving as a fitting reply. It was a masterclass in determination and a testament to his resolve to silence doubters.
Remarkably, this match was Suryakumar Yadav’s debut as the captain of Team India, making the victory even more memorable. His dynamic leadership, combined with a match-winning performance, had earned him the Player of the Match award. Notably, Yadav had become the second Indian captain to achieve this feat in a T20I debut as a captain, following in the footsteps of Jasprit Bumrah.
 "Sumit Gupta")
