Suryakumar Yadav’s vividly remembers the moment that changed the course of the T20 World Cup final. In a high-pressure situation, he took a stunning catch to dismiss David Miller, tilting the match decisively in India’s favor.
The Crucial Catch
Suryakumar knew he hadn’t touched the boundary rope. He made a split-second decision to go for the catch when he saw that Rohit Sharma, positioned at long-on, wouldn’t reach the ball in time. Positioned at long-off, Suryakumar knew he had to make the play.
“Rohit usually doesn’t stand at long-on, but he was there at that moment,” Suryakumar explained. “When the ball was coming, I glanced at him, and he looked back at me. I ran, aiming to catch the ball. If Rohit had been closer, I would have thrown the ball towards him. But he wasn’t, so I went for it.”
The Catch Under Review
Questions arose about whether Suryakumar’s foot had touched the advertising skirting. Replays were inconclusive. Suryakumar was confident that he hadn’t touched the rope, focusing on keeping his feet within the playing area while pushing the ball back in. He knew it was a clean catch.
Training and Preparation
Suryakumar credited his successful catch to rigorous practice and the motivation provided by fielding coach T Dilip, who introduced a fielding medal to encourage extra effort on the ground.
“The catch I took was something I practiced at various grounds, depending on the wind,” he shared. “We have intensive fielding sessions a day before the game, practicing high catches, flat catches, direct hits, and slip catching. It’s a continuous process, not just a one-day exercise. The catch was a reward for years of hard work.”
Fitness and Recovery
Suryakumar’s agility and balance on the field are results of his dedication to fitness. He spent four months recovering from a sports hernia and an ankle injury. During this period, he focused on slimming down and improving his fitness with the help of a nutritionist.
“Last August, I was around 93kg, maybe because I was indulging in too much local food,” he recalled. “After my hernia operation, I went to the NCA from January to April. I followed a strict diet and fitness regimen, even on off days. My meals are now planned with my chef and nutritionist. This discipline helped me achieve peak fitness.”
The Aftermath
The catch brought immense joy and widespread attention. Suryakumar was flooded with messages and calls, with over 1000 unread WhatsApp messages on his phone. The catch became a viral sensation on social media, making him a hero in the eyes of many.
“In those four to five seconds, whatever happened, I can’t explain,” he said. “The reactions from people have been overwhelming. I’m grateful for the opportunity to make that play.”
Suryakumar’s exceptional catch in the T20 World Cup final not only showcased his skill and dedication but also highlighted the importance of preparation, fitness, and presence of mind in crucial moments.
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