Surya Kumar Yadav’s 40-ball 68 against South Africa in Perth during the T20 World Cup in Australia last year lit up the competition. Even past players at the stadium were shaking their heads in surprise at some of his shots against the South African Quicks, even though it was a losing cause. Fans and analysts alike were left puzzled at how he managed to flick six-off bowler Lungi Ngidi’s incoming delivery, bowled from over the wicket, with such ease. There was more to this casual hitting than what was initially thought, despite the explanations of magical wrists, precise timing, and great anticipation. This weekend’s three-match series between Surya, who is now captain of India’s Twenty20 team, and his opponents is a fitting occasion to review the riddle. Scroll down to read Mr 360 Surya Kumar Yadav’s T20 success story.
Mr 360 Surya Kumar Yadav’s T20 success story
Julian Wood, a well-known power-hitter, brings another perspective to the discussion. Wood took inspiration from baseball’s biomechanics studies and training regimens while he was employed in the United States. He has aided batsmen in understanding the science of hitting sixes for several county teams and franchise squads. “From the biomechanics to the principles of baseball and on to the sheer joy of hitting the ball clean, hard, and far, Julian is at the forefront of a fast-evolving game for batsmen and coaches alike,” states former England coach Andy Flower.
“Angle” is the first word Wood uses to describe Surya’s creative stroke-making in an interview with The Indian Express. “He is making excellent use of the angle when he hits the ball behind the wicket. He sets himself up to take advantage of the angle. Whether the ball is on- or off-side, all he does is go with it,” he remarks.
According to Wood, Surya is the strongest batter in Indian cricket right now and will be a formidable finisher in the future. He continues by describing how Surya manipulates the angle of the ball as it hurtles in his direction. “He is playing the ball late; his contact point is not in front of him or when it is outside off-stump. You need space to get inside the ball and leverage the angle when you play the ball late and near you. The ball is coming toward the batsman at a little angle, whether it is bowled around or over the wicket. Batsmen with an angle, like Surya, hit the ball. They are not only exploiting the speed but also accelerating the ball.
According to Wood, the majority of Indian batsmen are adept at using the angles. “The Indians possess excellent technical skills and a strong foundation. However, when they come into contact with the ball, they have managed to blend sufficient strength, dexterity, and touch. Taking the angle is one of their strong points. They don’t deviate from the path. He would also point out that Indian batsmen acquire all these qualities because they typically grow up playing on flat wickets and verdant outfields.
Surya can also hit fours by using angles, so it’s not just about hitting sixes. He faced the notoriously inconsistent pacer Harshal Patel earlier this year at the Wankhede Stadium during the Mumbai Indians’ IPL match against the Royal Challengers Bangalore. When Surya encountered a slower ball outside off-stump, he was smart enough to wait for it and use the angle to direct it to the fence.
Big-hitting superstars in Twenty20 cricket frequently rely on analytics to decipher the thoughts of bowlers who constantly alter the ball’s pace and direction. But one cannot become a Surya-caliber hitter just by using stats.
“An analyst is available to provide commentary on the actions and movements of bowlers following a hit. While it’s possible to provide too much information at times, some players rely more on instinct. They’ll sense something. One does not exist without the other. It has to do with equilibrium. Even with all the knowledge in the world, it will be extremely difficult if you are unable to use your skills. The players know the information and trust their instincts. It’s how you handle those,” the expert explains.
The reason Surya isn’t fully bringing his T20 form into ODIs is also explained by Wood. Despite his outstanding T20I innings, Surya’s ODI career hasn’t exactly taken off. He has averaged 25.8 from 37 games, with a best of 72 not out. Compared to his T20I record, which includes three 100s, it is a far cry. In the longer format, Surya should have been able to find the boundary more frequently and easily because there were only four fielders allowed outside the ring for 30 overs of a 50-over inning and one ball from each end. However, this has not happened.
Wood likens Surya to Liam Livingstone of England, pointing out that their inability to play to their full potential in the format is due to their need to think more. “I believe Liam Livingstone is an additional example. He finds it difficult to bat correctly or just to hit in the 50-over format. In the Twenty20 format, the game is essentially set up for him when he enters with five overs remaining. You have more alternatives the longer the format is. There is always a chance that something will go wrong.
Additionally, Wood reveals what other elite players like Rinku Singh, Glenn Maxwell, and Hardik Pandya find effective.
On Hardik: ‘Great swing, good wrists’
His bat stroke is excellent. He has excellent wrists as well. You must strike against the powerful front side while maintaining stability when making contact. However, it is the moment of impact with the ball. Obtaining silence at the time of touch is crucial.
On Maxwell: “Hitting Zones”
Maxwell’s hand-eye coordination is excellent. He demonstrated that during the World Cup when he crushed the double hundred against Afghanistan despite cramping. Since he was immobile, he essentially hit zones: anything on the center and leg put him on the leg side, while anything outside the off-stump took him off-side.
On Rinku Singh: “He isn’t worried”
His way of thinking is excellent. Because it would put pressure on you, he is not concerned about the result. He is concerned about the procedure. He is completely confident in what he does. He is in a really good place, and his motions and plans are sound.
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