Suryakumar Yadav Hails Ishan Kishan After India’s Stunning Chase in Raipur T20I

India chased down 209 with ease as Suryakumar Yadav and Ishan Kishan powered a dominant win over New Zealand in Raipur.

From a precarious 6 for 2 while chasing 209, India produced a remarkable turnaround to seal the second T20I against New Zealand in Raipur with 28 balls to spare. Suryakumar remained unbeaten on 82 off 37 balls and was full of praise for Kishan, who laid the foundation with a blistering 76 off just 32 deliveries.

“I didn’t know what Ishan had in the afternoon for lunch or what pre-workout he had before the game, but I have never seen anyone bat [like that] At 6 for 2, batting that way, ending the powerplay around 67, 70 [75 for 2], I think it was incredible,” Suryakumar said at the post-match presentation.

“I think this is what we want from batters going out there, to express themselves, be happy in their own space, and that’s what he did today,” Yadav added.

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Kishan dominated the early phase of the chase and shared a decisive third-wicket partnership of 122 runs off just 49 balls with Suryakumar. When the pair brought up their century stand in the ninth over, Suryakumar was on 19 off 13 balls.

“I was angry he didn’t give me strike in the powerplay, but that’s okay. I had some time, played 8 balls, 10 balls, and I knew later on when I have time, then I can cover it up [make up the scoring rate],” Yadav added.

Suryakumar Yadav Jumps Back in Form

Suryakumar’s innings ended a run of 23 T20I knocks without a half-century. He reiterated that his lean run was more about lack of scores than poor form and credited the break he had between series for his return to runs. The Indian batter last played international cricket in December during the South Africa series and featured only in two Vijay Hazare Trophy matches for Mumbai earlier this month.

“As I said before also, I was batting really well in the nets, and everything which I did back home in the last 2 or 3 weeks [helped], I got a good break to spend time with my family, my friends. I think I had good practice sessions as well, and I think I’m enjoying what’s happening right now,” Suryakumar said.

The victory gave India a 2-0 lead in the five-match series and extended their impressive T20I record to 31 wins from 36 matches since lifting the 2024 T20 World Cup. The manner of the chase underlined the depth and confidence of India’s batting unit ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.