Mastering the Leg Side Like Suryakumar Yadav

Chandigarh/ Sukhan Kakkar/ TNF

It was a warm evening in Mumbai, and young cricketer Arjun was practicing tirelessly in the nets. He had been trying to emulate his idol, Suryakumar Yadav, for months. Every time he saw Suryakumar effortlessly whip the ball to the leg side with sheer elegance, he wondered how he could do it too. Arjun knew that Suryakumar, or SKY as he’s fondly called, wasn’t just a batsman—he was an artist, especially when it came to playing on the leg side. Mastering the Leg Side like suryakumar yadav.

One day, his coach approached him and said, “Arjun, it’s not just about power or big shots. To play like SKY on the leg side, you need to master timing, balance, and most importantly, wrist work.” Intrigued, Arjun listened closely as his coach shared a few tips, helping him understand the nuances of Suryakumar’s leg-side play.

Here are some of those tips and strategies Arjun learned to play like Suryakumar Yadav:

1. Mastering Wrist Control

The Key to Flicks and Glances: Suryakumar’s leg-side game heavily relies on his exceptional wrist control. His strong wrists allow him to direct the ball with precision, even from tricky angles.
Drill for Improvement: Stand in front of a wall and practice flicking a soft ball using only your wrists. This exercise will help you develop better control, enabling you to play shots toward fine leg, square leg, and mid-wicket with ease.

2. Use the Depth of the Crease

Creating Angles: Suryakumar often shuffles back and across in his crease, giving himself more room to play leg-side shots. This movement also allows him to turn good-length balls into half-volleys, which are easier to flick or glance.
Practice Tip: Set up a net session where you focus on moving back in the crease and playing deliveries toward the leg side. This will help you learn to use the bowler’s pace and create angles to target gaps in the field.

3. Play Late for Maximum Control

Why Timing Matters: SKY is known for playing shots very late, which helps him find gaps and reduce the risk of getting caught. He often waits until the last moment to guide the ball past the infield, even when there’s little room for maneuver.
Training Drill: Practice playing with soft hands and focus on meeting the ball at the latest possible point. Use tennis balls initially, as they will help you gauge your timing without the fear of injury.

4. Perfect the Paddle and Lap Sweep

Innovative Shots: Suryakumar’s leg-side brilliance comes from his ability to play unconventional shots like the paddle sweep and lap sweep. These shots disrupt the bowler’s line and force field changes.
How to Practice: Begin by setting up cones in the area between the wicketkeeper and fine leg. Practice sweeping deliveries to this zone using a combination of your wrists and light head movement.

5. Read the Bowler’s Intentions

Anticipation is Key: Suryakumar reads the bowler’s intentions exceptionally well. He watches the bowler’s hand closely and picks up cues on whether it’s going to be an off-cutter, bouncer, or slower delivery.
Pre-Ball Routine: Develop a habit of observing the bowler’s grip and run-up. Anticipate where the ball might land and plan your leg-side shot accordingly. This preparation will give you more confidence to execute your shots under pressure.

6. Stay Balanced and Low

Maintain a Steady Base: Suryakumar’s balance at the crease is remarkable. Whether he’s playing on one knee or standing upright, his head remains steady, allowing him to control shots on the leg side with ease.
Practice Routine: Work on your stance by practicing shots with a low center of gravity. Practice playing shots while being seated on a low stool to improve your balance and control.

7. Focus on Placement, Not Just Power

Placement Over Power: SKY doesn’t rely purely on power; he often uses delicate touches to place the ball in gaps. His quick hand-eye coordination helps him find runs in areas where fielders are not present.
Training Method: Set up a field with a few cones and practice placing the ball between them. Aim for precision rather than hitting the ball hard, and work on controlling your bat speed.

Final Thoughts

Arjun realized that Suryakumar’s leg-side shots weren’t about brute force but a combination of skill, strategy, and innovation. He began incorporating these tips into his practice sessions and saw a remarkable improvement in his leg-side play.

If you want to play like Suryakumar Yadav, focus on your wrist work, balance, and anticipation. Keep practicing, keep innovating, and who knows—you might just become the next leg-side maestro like SKY!