The India-Hong Kong Asia Cup 2022 match was something to see, for one reason alone – the batting of Surya Kumar Yadav. Every time one sees this Mumbai batter in action, questions like “where was he the last 10 years” seem to be dime a dozen.
A late bloomer in Indian colours, for reasons unknown, Yadav sent a definite message to all concerned – I am here to stay, and look out. Quite an asset for India for at least a few years. Too bad he wasn’t around longer in the past.
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The Indian batting had its weak moments even against the Hong Kong bowling, especially against the spinners. KL Rahul, now in the centre of a lot of focus about his form and ability, was floundering and his eventual contribution was nothing to write home about.
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Even Virat Kohli, who looks rejuvenated and re-focussed, was at times out of his depth against the super slow Hong Kong spinners and it wasn’t till Yadav joined him at the crease did the former India skipper really found his feet.
Their rollicking third-wicket stand of unbeaten 98 runs saw Kohli end with 59 not out off 44 balls with one four and three sixes.
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But Yadav was a class apart. 68 not out off 24 deliveries with six fours and equal number of sixes, he found runs where the others were struggling to defend and it looked like he was on a different planet from the rest.
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An incredible inning that also highlighted that India’s batting top-order still needs someone to do something exceptional to come good. It was Hardik Pandya against Pakistan and now Yadav. It would serve India well to have two or three top batters in good form, not just for the Asia Cup but also for the ICC T20 World Cup to come.
