Suryakumar Yadav Clinches ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year for Second Consecutive Time

Mumbai: In a stunning display of his cricketing prowess, Suryakumar Yadav has secured the prestigious ICC Men’s T20I Cricketer of the Year award for the second consecutive year. The dynamic Indian batter showcased an impressive blend of shots throughout 2023, culminating in an outstanding average nearing 50 and a strikingly high strike rate of over 150. Yadav, a linchpin in India’s middle order, consistently provided impactful starts and delivered numerous match-winning performances.

Overcoming stiff competition from Sikandar Raza, Alpesh Ramjani, and Mark Chapman, Suryakumar Yadav once again affirmed his status as a T20I powerhouse.

He had scored 733 runs from 17 innings with an average of 48.86 at a strike rate of 155.95.

Undeterred by a modest start to the year with an innings of just seven against Sri Lanka, Yadav quickly rebounded, notching scores of 51 (36) and an unbeaten 112* (51) in the subsequent matches. His consistent scoring in the range of 20s to 40s continued, punctuated by a stellar innings of 83 (44) against the West Indies in Providence. The series concluded with another impactful knock of 61 (45) in Florida.

Despite the added responsibility of captaincy, Yadav demonstrated exceptional leadership skills while guiding a young side towards the end of the year.

Highlights of Suryakumar Yadav’s T20I journey in 2023 include half-centuries against Australia (80 off 42 balls) and South Africa (56 from 36 balls). The pinnacle of his performances was the scintillating century he crafted against South Africa, scoring an even 100 off just 56 balls in the final T20I of the year in Johannesburg.

Yadav’s breathtaking knock of 112 off 51 balls against Sri Lanka in January showcased his versatility with inside-out drives and adept play behind the wicket. The innings comprised nine sixes and seven fours, translating to almost a boundary every three deliveries. His century, achieved in a mere 45 balls, stands as the second-fastest for India in men’s T20Is, only behind Rohit Sharma’s 35-ball century against the same opponent in 2017, leading India to a commanding 91-run victory.