NEW DELHI: Comparing his batting pyrotechnics to legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Viv Richards, Virat Kohli, Ricky Ponting, former Indian captain Kapil Dev was effusive in his praise of Suryakumar Yadav.
The world's leading Twenty20 batsman, Suryakumar smashed a blazing century in India's series-clinching 91-run win over Sri Lanka in Rajkot on Saturday.
Suryakumar, known as a 360-degree player for his ability to play all around the ground, stood out with his third T20 hundred -- in 45 balls -- as he stamped his class as the world's number one batsman in the format.
"Undeniably Suryakumar Yadav has been outstanding in T20 Internationals for the past year or so. But a batsman needs to be evaluated by his performance in all formats in all conditions, and in big matches, before being described as a "once in a century batter." Such hyperbole not only puts a player under undue pressure, but probably also embarrasses him.-TimesView"
The T20 sensation smashed seven fours and nine sixes including three off his trademark scoop shot over fine leg.
Suryakumar, who reached his fifty in 26 balls, stayed unbeaten after smashing 112 off 51 deliveries.
"Sometimes I am at a loss of words on how to describe his knock. When we see Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, we feel that someday there will be a player who will compel us to think he is also part of that list," the 1983 ODI World Cup-winning captain, Kapil Dev told ABP news.
1/10:Suryakumar's T20 blitz buries Sri Lanka, India win T20I series
PTI
2/10:Ton-up Surya
<p>Suryakumar Yadav's scintillating 51-ball 112* brings up India's series-clinching 91-run win over SL in the 3rd T20I</p>AP
3/10:India's mammoth total
<p>It's Surya's third T20I century, which fired India to 228/5 in Rajkot</p>AFP
4/10:SKY high
<p>Surya's breathtaking knock included 9 sixes and 7 fours</p>AP
5/10:Breathtaking
<p>Surya's first fifty came of 26 balls and the second took only 19 deliveries</p>PTI
6/10:Top order
<p>Shubman Gill scored 46, while Rahul Triptahi stroked a 16-ball 35-run after Ishan Kishan (1) was sent back early.</p>AFP
7/10:Big stand
<p>Surya's 111-run stand with Gill was ended by Wanindu Hasaranga (1/36)</p>AFP
8/10:The hiccup
<p>India lost skipper Hardik Pandya (4) and all-rounder Deepak Hooda (4) in quick succession</p>AFP
9/10:Unstoppable Surya
<p>But Surya batted like a man on a mission and towards the end found able support in all-rounder Axar Patel (21*)</p>PTI
10/10:Solid start
<p>SL openers Pathum Nissanka (15) and Kusal Mendis (23) added brisk 44 runs at the top</p>ANI"There is indeed a lot of talent in India. And the kind of cricket he plays, that lap shot the one over fine leg, then that leaves the bowler frightened because he can stand and hit a six over mid-on and mid-wicket. That is what makes it difficult for the bowlers because he is able to pick the line and length consistently. I have seen great batters like De Villiers, Vivian Richards, Sachin, Virat, Ricky Ponting, but very few can hit the ball as cleanly as him. Hats off to Suryakumar Yadav. These kinds of players come only once in a century," Kapil said.
