‘I have seen great batters like Viv Richards, Sachin Tendulkar but he’s…’ – Ex-India skipper full of praise for Suryakumar Yadav

When one of the greatest players of all time lists your name with batters like Vivian Richards, Sachin Tendulkar, or Virat Kohli, that is the highest compliment a batter can receive. These are players who have changed the game in addition to writing a shedload of records to put their names at the top of the rankings. Suryakumar Yadav has also improved, according to former India skipper Kapil Dev, who praised the India batter as a “once in a century” player.

Kapil’s remarks came after Suryakumar’s explosive innings off 112 runs from 51 balls against Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I match of the series at the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium, Rajkot. Before the bowlers dismissed the visitors for just 137 runs, the 32-year-old helped the side score a mammoth 228 for the loss of five wickets.

That is what makes it difficult for the bowlers because he is able to pick the line and length consistently: Kapil Dev

The 1983 World Cup-winning captain was completely speechless when asked about Suryakumar’s performance and instead compared his batting prowess to that of greats like Sachin, Richards, Kohli, and Ricky Ponting.

“Sometimes I am at a loss of words on how to describe his knock. When we see Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli, we feel that someday there will be a player who will compel us to think he is also part of that list. 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,” the former all-rounder stated.

“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, and 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,” he added.