MI vs RCB: Suryakumar Yadav better version of AB de Villiers, says ...

Former India off-spinner Harbhajan Singh likened Suryakumar Yadav to AB de Villiers and went on to say that the MI batter is a better version of the South African legend in terms of making a light work of opposition bowlers in the T20 format with his range of shots. The World Cup winner's comments came after Suryakumar stormed back into form with a 17-ball fifty, his fastest in the IPL, in their home game against RCB on Thursday at the Wankhede Stadium.

Suryakumar Yadav, playing only his second IPL 2024 match after having returned from a lengthy injury layoff, was at his six-hitting best on Thursday as he launched into the RCB bowlers, bringing out his 360-degree range of shot-making into play. Suryakumar smashed 52 off just 19 balls as MI made a mockery of a 197-run target, getting past the finish line in just 15.3 overs.

Speaking to Star Sports after the sensational show of power-hitting from MI batters, Harbhajan Singh said he is happy that he has retired from the sport and doesn't have to bowl to someone like Suryakumar Yadav.

"I have never seen someone dominating like the way Suryakumar does. Unbelievable. Where do you bowl to him? I am so glad I am not playing cricket now. At this age, where do you bowl to this guy?

"He has got an answer for every ball you bowl to him, whether it's wide yorker, bouncer. He can play sweep, pull, upper cut and I don't what else he can play. He is a different kind of a player," Harbhajan said.

MI vs RCB: Highlights | Scorecard

Suryakumar Yadav was out for 0 in his first IPL 2024 game, another high-scoring game at the Wankhede against Delhi on Sunday. However, on Thursday, he was in the mood to send some into the stands after Ishan Kishan and Rohit Sharma tore into the RCB attack, adding 101 runs for the first wicket in just 8.5 overs. Suryakumar joined hands with his former MI captain Rohit after Ishan did the damage at the top with his 34-ball 69.

Suryakumar was able to access all areas of the ground and he was severe against anything bowled on his pads. The World No. 1 T20I batter hit 4 sixes and 5 boundaries as MI flaunted their batting might against a hapless RCB bowling attack.

"Suryakumar is in a different league. When Suryakumar Yadav shines, no one can survive. We have all seen AB de Villiers, unbelievable player! But when I see this guy, I think he is a better version of AB de Villiers. He has won more number of games for his franchise than anyone playing now in this format.

"If I was part of any team, he would be my first pick, if he comes in the auction. But it's never going to happen," he added.

Suryakumar Yadav's return to form is crucial not just for MI, but also for the senior national team as the top-ranked batter will be crucial to India's chances at the T20 World Cup, starting June 1 in the USA and the West Indies.