Suryakumar Yadav produced a captain’s knock in Raipur, returning to form in emphatic fashion with an unbeaten 82 off 37 balls against New Zealand in the second T20I. The Indian skipper not only anchored a record chase but also delivered one of the most memorable shots of the night, playing his trademark “Supla” shot for a towering six off Matt Henry to underline his brilliance.
A timely return to form after a lean run
Suryakumar Yadav came into the series under scrutiny after a prolonged run without a T20I half-century, with his last fifty coming more than 700+ days earlier. In Raipur, he finally ended that drought in spectacular style, showcasing the innovation and confidence that has defined his rise in T20 cricket.
His innings came at a crucial time, with India chasing a steep target and needing stability after early wickets. Suryakumar responded with controlled aggression, pacing his innings expertly while keeping the required rate under check.
The Supla shot that lit up Raipur
Among his many highlights, the most talked-about moment came against Matt Henry. Reading the length early, Suryakumar got inside the line and played his signature Supla shot, scooping the ball over fine leg for a massive six.
The shot was a reminder of Suryakumar’s unique batting repertoire, combining wrist work, audacity and supreme hand-eye coordination.
India’s record chase and dominant win
New Zealand had earlier posted a strong total of 208 for 6 in their 20 overs, with Mitchell Santner and Rachin Ravindra providing key contributions. India’s chase began shakily with early wickets, but a blistering partnership between Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan turned the match decisively in India’s favour.
Suryakumar remained unbeaten on 82 off 37 balls, while Kishan smashed 76 off 32. Together, they helped India chase down the 209-run target in just 15.2 overs, sealing a seven-wicket victory and giving India a 2–0 lead in the five-match T20I series.
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A captain’s innings with statement value
Beyond the numbers, this knock carried symbolic weight. It marked Suryakumar’s first T20I fifty after 23 innings and came amid discussions around his form and leadership. The innings reaffirmed his ability to dominate bowling attacks and lead from the front, especially in high-pressure chases.
His composure, shot selection and ability to accelerate at will demonstrated why he remains central to India’s T20 plans heading into the World Cup.
What this means for India & SKY
India’s emphatic chase showcased their batting depth and intent, sending a strong message to New Zealand and the rest of the cricketing world. With a 2-0 series lead, India now firmly control the series and can afford to experiment while maintaining momentum.
For Suryakumar, the Raipur knock could be a turning point. Ending the fifty drought in such dominant fashion restores confidence and silences doubts, reinforcing his status as one of the most destructive batters in modern T20 cricket.
