Mumbai, Nov 13: A naturally attacking player, Suryakumar Yadav entertained with a quickfire 87 off 68 balls on the third day of Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy tie against defending champions Rajasthan at the Brabourne stadium.

While chatting with the media at the end of day’s play, the youngster said that he regretted missing out on a valuable century, but promised better shot-selection in the future.

Excerpts:

On missing out on a century for the second time in a row

It was my mistake, I know that. I played a wrong shot. Playing a sweep shot in that situation … actually playing a sweep shot in any situation is not good but especially in the situation [batting on 87] I shouldn’t have played that shot.

On what the coach and captain said to him after he returned to the pavilion

Not much, just that I should avoid the risky shots once I reach the 80s and 90s. They [always] support me and tell me to play my [natural] game.

On another disappointing dismissal with Mumbai’s score on 333 [he was out on 88 in the previous match]

I play a lot of shots, and the [sweep shot] is my favourite shot, but it wasn’t [appropriate] in that situation. I’m very disappointed because the last three games [that I have played], I got out this way. The first match [was] okay but the [other] two matches [this and the previous one] I should have done it.

On the reasons behind his mode of play

It is important for the batsman to learn to read the situation. Today the situation was different. Looking at it I felt that if I attacked we would make runs faster and that would reduce the pressure later in the evening and maybe tomorrow. And so I decided to attack.

On whether he was planning on changing his game

No, I will [play] the game the same way but will be more selective with my shots once I reach the 80s and 90s.

On whether he was influenced by team-mate Rohit Sharma who is also an attacking player

I keep talking to him all the time on how to bat. He tells me to keep batting normally […] No need to change anything.

On whether he had gained confidence from playing in the CLT20

That is a different format. But on one level it is okay; the pressure reduces a bit. Then again, when you are playing for Mumbai, there is pressure.

On the pressure to perform in front of people although there were few spectators in the stands

Although there was no crowd, whatever was there [was welcome]. Mainly it is about the dressing room, how supportive it is for the batsmen; that was good. The dressing room atmosphere was [replicated] on the field as well. So I didn’t feel that much pressure.

On the advice he received from Sachin Tendulkar during CLT20

I used to talk to him during the nets about how to build the innings and such things. After watching me bat a couple of times he told me to continue batting the way I did but; just pay attention to shot selection otherwise it is going good [, was his advice].

On naming his idol

[My] idol is obviously Sachin Sir [Tendulkar]. After playing for so many years he still says [he has] to learn a lot […]. But batting style, etc. I follow Viru pa [Virender Sehwag]. While watching him play I felt that if [my batting was] different, [it would help]. If someone is different in some way [that’s how] he will stand out amongst 30-40 lads. So I consciously started playing an attacking game. Not that I was a very quiet batsman, I have always been attacking, but watching him I felt I should play more of [an] attacking game.

On whether he has had the opportunity to discuss batting with Sehwag

I have never spoken to him face-to-face.

On Sehwag’s unimpressive footwork

I will have to [work on that]. But his [Sehwag’s] eye [–hand] coordination is [superb].

On whether he has tried playing the upper cut

I play that but in a four-day game, if you connect you will get applause and if you don’t and get out then (trails off).

On being talked about as an upcoming cricketer from Mumbai

It is a compliment for me but if I am talked about after making more hundreds I will feel better. When so many hundreds are being scored in the Ranji Trophy from the first game [on] then according to me counting 70s and 80s [runs] is not so important. After scoring a hundred [or a] double hundred if people say, ‘Here is a player from Bombay to he watch’, then I will feel better.

On his beginnings

I am from Chembur. Ashok Asvalkar is my school coach. [I studied at] BARC school. He supported me; he spoke to my family and told them to let me play, that I [was] good. I started playing from there. My father is a scientific researcher in BARC. He has nothing to do with cricket. When [the] coaches told him [about my skill] he showed interest. [My] parents then said okay and supported me.