KOLKATA - Mumbai Indians head coach Mahela Jayawardene says struggling batter Suryakumar Yadav is in a "good space" and not far from a big knock in the Indian Premier League.
India's World Cup-winning T20 skipper Suryakumar fell for another low score of 21 in his team's defeat to Chennai Super Kings on Saturday.
Suryakumar, a swashbuckling batter with an audacious range of strokes in T20 cricket, has managed just 183 runs in nine outings this season, at an average of 20.33.
"I think if he gets a few scores together, he will find that rhythm," Jayawardene told reporters.
"He batted really well ... really took on the bowlers in that phase. I think another couple of overs, he could have been off for a really good score."
Suryakumar hit three fours and one six in his brief stay before he attempted a lofted cut and found Dewald Brevis at deep point.
Earlier this week, against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Suryakumar fell for five -- after a mistimed hit got him caught at fine leg.
"I think he is definitely up for it ... It's just a matter of time. He himself is disappointed but just have to keep on working hard," former Sri Lanka batting great Jayawardene said.
Suryakumar's batting flop has coincided with five-time champions Mumbai's disappointing season, as they stare at an early exit from the T20 tournament.
Mumbai, led by Hardik Pandya, have suffered seven defeats in nine matches and their chances of moving into the playoff remain slim.
Another defeat could end their hopes.
"We have still got five more games, anything could happen to us, we just need to finish the tournament positively and see what happens," said Jayawardene.
"There is a lot of cricket to be played, I don't think mathematically we are out. I am going to fight, and I am sure the rest of the boys will do the same."
- Article by AFP