Suryakumar Yadav, the enigmatic Indian batter, has etched his name alongside Virat Kohli in the annals of T20 International cricket by equaling the record for the most Player of the Match (POTM) awards. Yadav’s 16th POTM accolade, achieved in just 69 matches, matches Kohli’s tally, which took the former Indian captain 125 matches to accumulate.
Yadav’s latest POTM award came in India’s emphatic 43-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20I of their 2024 tour at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Batting first, India posted an imposing 213/7, with Yadav leading the charge with a blistering 58 off 26 balls. His innings, studded with eight fours and two sixes, showcased his aggressive intent and ability to turn the tide of the game in his team’s favor.
Despite the early dismissals of Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill, Yadav’s innings provided the stability and momentum that India needed. Rishabh Pant also contributed significantly with a brisk 49 off 33 balls, while Hardik Pandya and Riyan Parag added quick runs in the middle overs. Axar Patel’s unbeaten 10 off 5 balls helped India cross the 200-run mark.
In response, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 170 in 19.2 overs. Pathum Nissanka’s 79 off 48 balls and Kusal Mendis’s 45 off 27 were the only notable performances in an otherwise disappointing chase. Arshdeep Singh and Riyan Parag were the pick of the bowlers for India, with Singh taking 2 for 24 and Parag claiming 3 for 5 in a stellar bowling display.
Yadav’s rapid accumulation of 16 POTM awards is a testament to his impactful performances and his pivotal role in India’s T20I squad. With the series just beginning, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if he can surpass Kohli’s record and continue to be a game-changer for his team.
