'His Sledging Was On Another Level': Suryakumar Yadav Reveals The Staring Game Story With Virat Kohli

Suryakumar Yadav is currently one of the best Indian middle-order batters on the limited-overs side. 2021 was the year that gave Suryakumar his well-deserved and long-awaited India cap and he has never looked back since then.  

However, there was a time when Suryakumar was just scoring runs but wasn't getting picked in the Indian squad. In 2020, India's squad for the Australian tour was announced and despite a stellar performance in the IPL in the last few seasons, Suryakumar's name was missing. 

It not only surprised the cricket fraternity but also Suryakumar himself. He was so disappointed that he didn't even talk to his family for the next five days. 

After the squad announcement, Mumbai Indians' next game was against Royal Challengers Bangalore, which was led by the then captain Virat Kohli. 

"In that game, Luckily we fielded first and the rush of blood and adrenaline gradually decreased. I wasn't thinking much, everything was flowing. The target and situation also presented itself. I said, "Now is the time, if I score now, everything will fall in place," Suryakumar said in an interview on Breakfast with Champions. 

During the run chase, Suryakumar was taking the MI towards the target and it was at this time when he had a staring contest with Kohli that went viral. 

"That's his style. His energy on the ground is on another level. It was also an important game for both the teams, his sledging was on another level. I was completely focused on myself and said no matter what happens, I have to remain focused and win for the team and not utter a word," Surya revealed. 

"The ball went there, he gestured and it was very instinctive. I was chewing gum and looked composed but on the inside, I was terrified, completely. My heart was racing. He is walking towards me not saying anything, chewing gum. Even I'm quiet. 

The voice inside me was screaming "Bro I beg you, please don't say anything. It's just a matter of 10 seconds before the new over will start. The stare will end by then. He walked past me and luckily I dropped my bat then which broke the situation. I walked away and didn't even look at him for the rest of the game. We've never even spoken about this topic since," Sky narrated. 

Suryakumar Yadav remained unbeaten in that game on 79 and won the match for MI. Just when he finished the game with a four, he turned towards the dressing room and gestured that he was there. 

Also Read: IPL 2022 - Scorecard

"After winning the game, I turned to the side where my family and teammates were seated, I looked towards them and said, "I'm here, there's no need to worry. It was completely instinctive none of it was pre-planned. I turned to the side of the dressing room, didn't make any loud gestures, and reacted instinctively," Suryakumar said.