IPL 2021: Suryakumar Yadav explains the reason behind MI promoting Ishan Kishan at no.3 against PBKS

Mumbai Indians (MI) are struggling a bit in their title defence in the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL). They lost their third game of the season on Friday going down to Punjab Kings by nine wickets. Their batting hasn’t delivered yet in this season. Though their overall performance wasn’t up to the mark in the game, many were left perplexed with the team’s decision to promote Ishan Kishan ahead of the in-form Suryakumar Yadav.

The move, however, backfired completely as the left-hander couldn’t score freely. Kishan could only muster six runs off 17 balls before edging one to the keeper KL Rahul off Ravi Bishnoi. He looked completely lost facing the spinners on the slow pitch. It also led to MI getting off to a very slow start in the powerplay. Eventually, despite acclerating in the middle overs, the five-time champions could only reach 131 runs in their 20 overs.

In the post-match press conference, Suryakumar Yadav expectedly faced a question regarding Kishan’s promotion ahead of him and he cleared that it was done to keep the left-right combination in the middle. Surya also stated he was completely fine with the move as both the batsmen play similar roles in the team.

“Ishan’s promotion was completely management’s call and we decided collectively that if a left-hander gets out then a left-hander walks in. He and I have been playing a similar role in the past few years. So, I was completely okay with it. We both decided we’ll do the same way what everyone decides and we were clear in our plans very much,” he said.

MI will now play next four matches in Delhi

Meanwhile, MI’s ordeal in Chennai has ended and now they will play their next four matches in Delhi. The team has got a much needed break and are scheduled to play their next game on April 29 against Rajasthan Royals. Talking about the same, Suryakumar Yadav felt that the things will be different in the national capital and was confident that MI will make a strong comeback.

“Talking about performances, I feel it’s all about that confidence what you carry and I feel everyone is hitting the ball really well in the nets. Everyone is really positive in their mindset. It’s all about just going out there and expressing themselves.

“It’s just a matter of one game. We don’t want to think about what has happened in Chennai. When we reach Delhi, I think things will be completely different, and MI will be a completely different side,” Surya further noted.

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