Suryakumar Yadav's Innovative 'Supla' Shot: A Game-Changer in Cricket
The Origin of the 'Supla' Shot
Suryakumar Yadav's unique 'Supla' shot, a flick directed towards fine short leg, traces its roots back to his early days playing tennis ball cricket in Mumbai. This inventive stroke has become one of the most discussed techniques in international cricket.
Suryakumar's Impact in IPL
The dynamic batter from Mumbai Indians, Suryakumar Yadav, has established himself as one of the top performers in the IPL over the years. His fearless and aggressive style of play, characterized by 360-degree strokeplay, has consistently led him to accumulate runs each season.
Mastering the 'Supla' Shot
Suryakumar Yadav has showcased a variety of shots with remarkable skill and confidence, captivating fans with his creativity on the field. The 'Supla' shot, often regarded as his signature move, involves a deft flick executed with precise timing and wristwork.
The Evolution of a Unique Stroke
How did Suryakumar Yadav develop a shot that had been absent from both domestic and international cricket for years? The 'Supla' shot is not a traditional cricket stroke but rather a creative invention stemming from his formative experiences in tennis ball cricket in Mumbai. In 2024, he shared that this shot was initially played in local games, where it earned the name 'Supla.'
Characteristics of the 'Supla' Shot
This street-style cricket shot flicks the ball over the short fine leg. Suryakumar has successfully integrated it into his domestic and international play, gaining recognition for his innovative approach and ability to perform under pressure.
The Technique Behind the Shot
Executing the 'Supla' shot demands exceptional wrist strength, sharp hand-eye coordination, and impeccable timing. Mastery of this shot requires relentless practice and countless hours of repetition. In a previous IPL season, during an interview on the JioCinema show 'In The Nets,' Suryakumar elaborated on the innovation that has amazed the cricketing community.
The Birth of a Viral Moment
The 'Supla' shot first gained widespread attention during a T20I match between India and England in 2020. Suryakumar, making his debut for India in Ahmedabad, executed a remarkable offside scoop off pacer Jofra Archer, creating a memorable moment that stunned fans and experts alike.
Mainstream Recognition of the 'Supla' Shot
Although the shot wasn't officially named 'Supla' at that time, it marked the beginning of its recognition in mainstream cricket. In the IPL, Suryakumar's innovative shot continued to draw attention as he consistently outsmarted bowlers, particularly in high-pressure situations.
Suryakumar Yadav's IPL Journey
Over the past few years, Suryakumar Yadav has proven to be one of the most reliable batters in the IPL. He began his journey with the Mumbai Indians, later playing for Kolkata Knight Riders, before returning to his original team. Since 2018, he has been a key player for the five-time IPL champions, accumulating 4,104 runs, including two centuries and 27 fifties, with an average of 34.20 and a strike rate of 148.05 across 162 matches.
Current Performance in IPL 2025
As of IPL 2025, Suryakumar Yadav is leading the Orange Cap race with 510 runs, including three fifties, boasting an impressive average of 63.75 and a strike rate of 170.56 in 12 matches.