“Suryakumar Yadav Breaks the Spell: A Match-Winning Knock for the One Who Believed”
In what has already been a standout Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign, Mumbai Indians’ batting mainstay Suryakumar Yadav finally ticked off a box that had somehow remained unchecked all season—a Player of the Match award.
Despite scoring 25+ runs in 12 consecutive matches, SKY hadn’t bagged the coveted honor even once—until Match 63 against Delhi Capitals at the Wankhede Stadium. On a wicket offering turn and uneven pace, the master of 360-degree strokeplay smashed an unbeaten 73 off 43 balls, lifting MI to 180/5 with a fiery finish. That late assault—powered by a stunning 48-run stand in just two overs with Naman Dhir—set the stage for a dominant 59-run victory. And as he finally held the trophy, SKY’s thoughts were with someone special.
“My wife told me a sweet story—that I had all the runs but none of the Player of the Match awards. This one is for her,” said a smiling Yadav post-match. “It was important to stay till the end, and I’m glad I did.”
Currently third in the race for the Orange Cap with 583 runs—trailing only Sai Sudharsan (617) and Shubman Gill (601)—Suryakumar’s consistency has been the backbone of Mumbai’s resurgence. What was a faltering season has turned into a playoff-worthy campaign, and SKY’s latest knock couldn’t have come at a better time.
Santner, Bumrah Close the Show
After the batting fireworks, it was the turn of Mitchell Santner (3/11) and Jasprit Bumrah (3/12) to deliver the final blows. The duo dismantled Delhi Capitals’ batting lineup with precision, dismissing them for just 121 in 18.2 overs. Delhi, missing the calm and control of their usual captain Axar Patel, never quite recovered after a rocky start. Stand-in skipper Faf du Plessis lamented the shift in momentum in the final two overs of MI’s innings. “We were excellent for most of the match, but those last two overs undid everything. Momentum in T20 is real. We couldn’t hold on to ours,” he admitted. Du Plessis also highlighted Axar’s absence on a turning pitch, comparing it to Santner’s influence. “A spinner like Axar is pure gold on this kind of surface. Unfortunately, he was very sick and couldn’t play. That made a big difference.” With this win, Mumbai Indians not only sealed their spot in the playoffs but also sent a strong message to the rest of the contenders—they’re peaking at just the right time. Meanwhile, for Suryakumar Yadav, the trophy is more than just recognition—it’s a nod to a season of consistency, composure, and a quiet promise fulfilled. And somewhere, there’s a celebration with cake already in motion.
