I Was Angry Ishan Wasn’t Giving Me Strike in Powerplay: Suryakumar Yadav
In a jaw-dropping chase against New Zealand in the second T20I in Raipur on January 23, 2026, Suryakumar Yadav led India to an emphatic victory with a powerful innings. But one moment from that game grabbed headlines not for big sixes or record totals — it was the Indian skipper’s cheeky admission that he was momentarily angry at his teammate Ishan Kishan for not giving him the strike during the powerplay. Let’s break down what happened, why Surya said it, and how this reveal shows both competitiveness and team spirit.
Historic Chase Sets the Stage
High-Scoring Thriller
India found themselves chasing a mammoth target of 209 runs set by New Zealand in the second T20I of the five-match series. Despite early setbacks — with two quick wickets leaving India at 6/2 — the home side produced one of their most explosive run chases in recent times. The duo of Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav put on a devastating partnership that flipped the contest on its head.
Ishan’s bat flew from the first ball he faced. He raced to a blazing 76 off just 32 balls, including a rapid fifty inside the powerplay. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav anchored the innings beautifully, scoring 82 off 37 deliveries to finish the chase in 15.2 overs, leading India to a dominant win.
Why Suryakumar Yadav Was “Angry”
The Light-Hearted Admission
In the post-match press interaction, Suryakumar Yadav admitted with a playful smile that he was briefly angry with Ishan Kishan during the early phase of the innings. The reason? Kishan dominated the strike so thoroughly in the powerplay that SKY barely got a chance to face a ball.
Suryakumar said, “I was angry he wasn’t giving me the strike in the powerplay,” referring to those early overs when Kishan took full charge of scoring. But he was quick to clarify that this was said in good humour and not as a serious complaint.
What It Really Shows
This brief moment of “anger” reflects two things:
- Competitive mindset: As a batter himself, Suryakumar Yadav wants to be involved and make an impact when he’s at the crease.
- Team confidence: Despite his cheeky remark, he understood that Kishan’s aggressive approach was exactly what the team needed at that stage.
It’s a great example of how modern cricket personalities balance individual pride with team goals, all while keeping the mood light and positive.
Suryakumar Yadav Reflects on the Partnership
Mutual Respect and Praise
Even while admitting to his early frustration, Suryakumar Yadav heaped praise on Ishan Kishan’s performance. He described Kishan’s powerplay assault as something extraordinary, joking that he didn’t know “what Ishan had for lunch” that day given how devastating he was with the bat.
Despite the strike hogging, Surya highlighted that what Kishan did was exactly the kind of fearless cricket India wants from its batters — expressive, bold, and game-changing.
SKY’s Own Performance
Suryakumar didn’t just watch. Once Ishan was dismissed, SKY took complete control of the innings. His knock of 82 off 37 balls was a statement of intent, ending a long wait for his first T20I fifty in many innings and proving his class under pressure.
He attributed his rhythm to good practice sessions, time spent with family and friends, and confidence built through preparation.
The Larger Picture: Team India’s Philosophy
Encouraging Freedom
One of Suryakumar Yadav’s core messages from this match was that team India encourages its players to express themselves. The skipper emphasized that players should feel free to play their natural game rather than be bound by cautious tactics.
Kishan’s brutal hitting early on gave India the momentum they needed, even if it meant SKY was kept out of the strike briefly. The captain’s relaxed and supportive approach shows a modern leadership style where individual flair is cherished within a team structure.
A Winning Environment
Suryakumar talked about the positive atmosphere in the Indian camp, stressing that a happy and confident group often performs better. His remarks reflect a blend of competitive drive and emotional intelligence — something that’s vital for success in high-pressure tournaments like the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.
What This Means for Fans
Cricket’s Human Moments
Cricket isn’t just about who scores the most runs or bowls the best deliveries. It’s also about the human elements — the small frustrations, the laughter in team meetings, the light-hearted banter after a big game. Suryakumar Yadav’s comment about being “angry” at Ishan Kishan gives fans a peek behind the scenes at the real emotions players experience on the field.
Building Team Unity
Instead of causing friction, moments like this highlight the unity within the Indian batting lineup. Kishan’s aggression complemented SKY’s composed finish, and both players contributed to a monumental victory that will be remembered as one of India’s best T20I chases.
Conclusion: Balancing Fun, Fire, and Focus
The Raipur chase will go down in cricketing memory not just for the numbers — but for the personalities on display. Suryakumar Yadav’s candid remark about being “angry” at Ishan Kishan for not giving him the strike is a testament to his passion and competitive spirit. Yet, his praise for Kishan’s innings, and the way he backed his team’s philosophy of freedom and expression, shows why he’s cherished as a leader and a player.
In the end, it was a team effort — one built on mutual trust, performance under pressure, and a shared belief in entertaining, fearless cricket. That’s a message fans and aspiring cricketers alike can take to heart.
Also Read: RJ Mahvash’s Cryptic Video Sparks Buzz! – Logic Matters
