A rampaging knock from Suryakumar Yadav at the Wankhede Stadium helped Mumbai Indians (MI) thrash Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) by six wickets and climb to the third place in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 points table. His 35-ball 83 runs with seven boundaries and six maximums grabbed the eyeballs, but Virat Kohli's heartfelt gesture after the star batter's dismissal left fans delighted.
The former RCB captain and the backbone of the MI batting unit were involved in one of the most controversial moments in IPL history when the pair had a faceoff in the IPL 2020, but since then the two have had mutual respect and share a brotherly bond with each other. Kohli has faced huge criticism this season too for his verbal spat after the RCB vs LSG clash, but despite losing to MI on Tuesday, the ace batter won hearts with his kind appreciation for his compatriot.
MI skipper Rohit Sharma won the toss and put RCB to bat first and restricted the visitors to 199-6 on a surface that favours the chasing side. In reply, Ishan Kishan provided them with a fantastic start in the powerplay by attacking bowlers all over the ground. Once the openers were sent back, it was a completely dominant performance by Yadav and Nehal Wadhera. The duo put on a 150-run partnership before SKY was dismissed in the 16th over.
On his way back to the pavilion, the right-hander batter received loud cheers from the Wankhede crowd for his stunning display which ensured Mumbai's sixth win of the tournament. His teammates gave him a standing ovation from the dugout, while Kohli hugged him and congratulated him on his knock.
Watch the video below:
Virat Kohli appreciated Suryakumar Yadav's madness at Wankhede.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 9, 2023
A lovely moment! pic.twitter.com/YsczOW5STq
"I know my game. I don't do anything different": Suryakumar Yadav
Surya was under-fire after failing to find runs in the initial matches, but he delivered when it mattered most. The right-hander couldn't finish the game but got the team almost to the finish line, diminishing RCB's hopes of making the playoffs.
"Much needed from the team's point of view. I am very happy to win a home game like this. I mean they come up with a plan. They tried to make me hit to the bigger part. Take the pace off and bowl slow. Your practice has to be the same what you intend to do in matches. I know where my runs are. We have open net sessions. I know my game. I don't do anything different," Surya said after winning the Player of the Match award.
Here's how fans reacted to Virat Kohli's gesture:
Jo respect ke liye laayak hoga uski respect hogi
— स्वप्निल (श्रेयस FC) (@Swapnil113goat) May 9, 2023
Respect kamana padta hai manga nahi jata
— lyth (@lyth23830020) May 9, 2023
Clear insecurity on face 🤣😂🤣🤣
— Messi ABD 🐐×🐐 (@ABDmessiGOAT) May 9, 2023
Appriciated?
— Nitish Sahu (@NitishS722) May 10, 2023
If he have surya out early, his behaviour would be worse
Man becomes humble when matter the most. ❤️💙
— Naseem Akram 🇮🇳 (@naseemakram100) May 9, 2023
Two lions from India to world 🙋🙋
— Aarakshan के 3000 साल (@Aarakshan3000) May 10, 2023
Virat kohli - Abe tere main ABD ka atma ghussa hai Sayed 😂
— Sidharth Pseth (@sidharth_pseth) May 9, 2023
Survir pic.twitter.com/xcPPwQc6FJ
— NC. (@NaeemCaption) May 9, 2023
Everyone is not Gemphir
— देव (@AWhiteTigerINC) May 9, 2023
Vk and surya bond ooohhh super😍😍
— Amit Dash (@amitdash0202) May 9, 2023