• Home
  • Who Said What
  • The Minute He Sees An Opportunity He Takes It Ab De Villiers Lauds Suryakumar Yadav

'The Minute He Sees An Opportunity, He Takes It': AB de Villiers Lauds Suryakumar Yadav

image-lpw3kesdSuryakumar Yadav plays the sweep shot as AB de Villiers looks on [X.com]

A late bloomer in international cricket, India's Suryakumar Yadav has craved a niche for himself in T20 cricket.

Yadav, known for his outrageous and innovative shots, has often been compared to former South Africa legend AB de Villiers, who is regarded across the world as Mr. 360, for playing shots all around the park.

Yadav burst into the scene during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018 season for Mumbai Indians, where de Villiers witnessed the player from close quarters while playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB).

Yadav, who is now the No.1 Ranked T20I ICC Batter has received high praise from de Villiers for his fearless and creative style. 

Speaking to Star Sports, de Villiers compared Yadav from his early days in the IPL and now, where he has transformed into a world-class batter.


Here's what de Villiers said

"The first few years of me seeing him (SKY) play in the IPL, he was very circumspect, always consolidated in trying to build an innings. Now he is also doing that but it is almost like the platform is there for him to look for the opportunity to sort of take control of the game. That's where a batter becomes dangerous. The minute he sees an opportunity, he takes it. I am very impressed and surprised. I didn't see anything when I was playing in the IPL with him. It's just great to see players exploring different avenues and just growing into a player no one saw coming."

The RCB legend further pointed out that only a lack of patience could stop Yadav from achieving greater heights. Meanwhile, Yadav will lead India in T20Is against South Africa, which starts from December 10 with the first encounter taking place in Durban.