Suryakumar Yadav Lauds Ishan Kishan's 'Incredible' 32-Ball 76 as India Crush New Zealand in Raipur

In what can only be described as a masterclass in modern T20 batting, India chased down 209 against New Zealand in the second T20I at Raipur with a remarkable 28 balls to spare. The victory, which puts India 2-0 up in the five-match series, was built on the backs of two sensational innings from Ishan Kishan and captain Suryakumar Yadav.

Kishan's Breathtaking Counterattack

When India found themselves reeling at 6 for 2, the required asking rate looked daunting. Enter Ishan Kishan, who produced one of the most audacious counterattacking innings seen in recent T20I cricket.

The left-hander smashed an extraordinary 76 off just 32 deliveries, an innings that included 11 boundaries and four towering sixes. His assault was so ferocious that India ended the powerplay on 75 for 2, completely shifting the momentum of the match.

"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."

— Suryakumar Yadav at the post-match presentation

The Art of Expressing Yourself

Suryakumar emphasized that Kishan's approach epitomized exactly what the team management expects from their batters in the current era of T20 cricket.

"At 6 for 2, batting that way, ending the powerplay around 67, 70 [75 for 2], I think it was incredible. 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."

Suryakumar's Unbeaten 82: End of the Drought

While Kishan grabbed the early headlines, Suryakumar Yadav's contribution was equally vital. The Indian captain remained unbeaten on 82 off 37 balls, finally ending a 23-innings drought without a T20I fifty.

A Partnership of Contrasts

The third-wicket partnership between Kishan and Suryakumar yielded 122 runs off just 49 balls. In a fascinating display of batting dynamics, Kishan dominated the early exchanges to such an extent that when the century stand came up in the ninth over, Suryakumar had contributed just 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."

The Value of Rest and Reset

Suryakumar credited his return to form to the break he enjoyed between the T20I series against South Africa, which concluded on December 19, and the start of the current series on January 21. During this period, he played only two domestic List A games for Mumbai in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.

"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'm enjoying what's happening right now."

India's T20I Dominance Continues

This victory extends India's remarkable T20I record to 31 wins from 36 matches since their triumph in the T20 World Cup final of 2024. With the 2026 T20 World Cup less than a month away, India are sending a clear message to their rivals.

Building Towards Another World Cup

When asked if India were starting to intimidate opponents ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, Suryakumar's response was measured yet confident.

"Let's keep it that way. I'm really enjoying what's happening right now. The mood in the camp is very happy. I want to keep them in their happy space. We want to continue playing the same brand of cricket, irrespective of what's happening and leave no stones unturned."

Looking Ahead

With three matches remaining in the series and the T20 World Cup on the horizon, India have demonstrated that their batting unit possesses the firepower and temperament to chase down any target. The combination of Kishan's fearless aggression and Suryakumar's ability to accelerate at will gives India a formidable middle-order presence.

As the team continues to build momentum, performances like these serve as a reminder of why India remain favorites heading into the World Cup. The challenge now lies in maintaining this form and ensuring that all players remain in their "happy space" as Suryakumar puts it.