Mumbai Indians went down fighting against Rajasthan Royals at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Saturday. RR beat MI by 5 wickets, but they were made to work hard for the win as our bowlers toiled hard and took the match into the last over of the game. Suryakumar Yadav, who was involved in a 97-run partnership with Quinton de Kock, spoke to reporters in the post-match press conference.

He bemoaned RR’s swift start and Steve Smith’s partnership with Riyan Parag. “In my opinion, considering the wicket, the registered score was up to par because our last game was played on a similar wicket. We knew the first six overs would be very crucial when they would come out to bat with the new ball in play. I feel they batted very well with the new ball. That start could be considered as a moment (that changed the game) and this start was the reason why they did not feel the pressure in the middle and end overs. Steve Smith and Riyan Parag batted well in my opinion,” Suryakumar opined.

On his role with MI this season, Suryakumar added: “I think, for me, the role has been defined very clearly. To bat a maximum of about 10-12 overs so that there are good partnerships going. Later when our power-hitters are present in the last five overs, we have a lot of wickets in hand and can go full monty to get as many runs as possible. So, that is the area where I am trying to improve and bat as long as possible. Hopefully it comes up soon.”

When asked if MI’s slow run rate in the death overs made a difference, Suryakumar said: “No, I do not feel that way, we had analysed that this wicket is different when it comes to the style of play. In my opinion, the runs they added were good for the team, it was our expected total and we were happy to defend it. I did not feel that it was less, I felt that the total was fine.”

Suryakumar also discussed his unique over the head flick shot. “Actually, I have not practised that shot a lot in the nets, it comes naturally. Maybe sometimes I try to pick up the ball early from the hand of the bowler. It is all natural, I do not play it intentionally until or unless there is a lot of pressure or we need a boundary compulsorily. I do not actually practice, I just go with the flow, if it comes out it comes out,” he explained.