Indian cricketer Suryakumar Yadav celebrates his 29th birthday on Saturday. Born on September 14, 1990, the right-handed batsman is a known face in Indian cricket and currently represents Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League. The Mumbai-born batsman has been a consistent performer in the domestic circuit and has also done reasonably well in IPL too. The batsman made his IPL debut in 2012 but got limited chances and the Mumbai franchise also axed him after the next season. However, Yadav was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders and got limelight after playing some blistering cameos in the 2014 edition of the tournament. IPL 2019: Mumbai Indians Rank 1st in Asia, 3rd in World in Social Interaction With Fans.

These match-defining innings forced the Mumbai franchise to go back to Yadav in the 2018 auction and the batsman was roped in for a whopping amount of Rs 3.2 crores. Yadav’s second stint with Mumbai Indians proved to be fruitful as he was chosen as the opener and the batsman did complete justice to his position. Yadav regularly gave a good start to his side and also played a vital role in guiding Mumbai Indians to the title in 2019. So, on the occasion of Suryakumar Yadav’s 29th birthday, let’s look at three best innings played the lad in IPL. Ishan Kishan Hilariously Trolls Mumbai Indians Teammate Mayank Markande During Duleep Trophy 2019 Finals (Watch Video).

46* Against Mumbai Indians in Kolkata

In the opening match of IPL 2015, Suryakumar Yadav played a magnificent cameo and smashed the likes of Lasith Malinga and Jasprit Bumrah to all the parts of the ground. Mumbai’s heads were high when skipper Rohit Sharma scored 98 and guided his team to 168 in the first innings. However, Yadav came in to bat at number four and took the game away from the opposition. The batsman score 46 off just 20 deliveries and guided the Knight Riders to a seven-wicket victory.

60 Against Rising Pune Supergiants in Pune

The right-handed batsman was promoted to number three against the Rising Pune Supergiants in IPL 2016. Chasing a total of 161, KKR opener Robin Uthappa was dismissed off the first ball and Yadav came into bat. The batsman paced his innings to perfection as he started cautiously and then smashed the Pune bowlers to all the parts of the ground. Yadav’s brilliant half-century guided KKR to a two-wicket win and the batsman was awarded the Man of the Match.

59 Against Kolkata Knight Riders in Mumbai

The Mumbai-lad showed no mercy towards his former team and played a fantastic innings against KKR in 2018. Opening the innings, Yadav took on the opposition bowlers from the get-go and took full advantage of the powerplay. The batsman scored 59 of mere 39 deliveries and gave Mumbai Indians a perfect start. Yadav’s magnificent knock powered Mumbai to 181 in the first, which proved to enough as his side clinched the match by 13 runs.

72 Against Rajasthan Royals in Jaipur

While facing the Rajasthan side in IPL 2019, Mumbai opener Evin Lewis bagged a first-ball duck and the side got a bad start. However, Yadav steadied the ship with wicket-keeper Ishan Kishan and brought the innings back on track. Yadav struck his highest score in IPL and guided Mumbai Indians to a decent score of 167 in the first innings. Unfortunately, Yadav’s effort went in vain as Krishnappa Gowthan played a blinder and the Indians lost the match by three wickets.

71* Against Chennai Super Kings in Chennai

In a high-voltage first Qualifiers clash against CSK in IPL 2019, Suryakumar Yadav came into bat at number three when skipper Rohit Sharma was dismissed in the first over. However, Yadav kept his calm and played match-defining innings. Despite not getting support from the other end, the right-handed batsman played a stellar knock and guided his team to a six-wickets victory through with Mumbai Indians reached the tournament’s final and later lifted the title as well.

With the ICC World T20 2020 on the cards, the Indian selectors are looking for a bunch of players who can excel in the tournament. And, Suryakumar Yadav will certainly fancy a chance in the tournament. The World T20 will take place in September next year. So, some good performances in the domestic circuit and IPL 2020 might earn him a berth in the Indian team.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 14, 2019 08:00 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).