Suryakumar Yadav thoroughly deserved India call-up, managed himself well when waiting for it: Zaheer Khan

IPL 2021: Mumbai Indians mentor Zaheer Khan said the India call-ups for Suryakumar Yadav during the T20I and ODI series against England was a reward for the 30-year-old's hard work and perseverance over the years.

Mumbai Indians mentor Zaheer Khan said on Monday that Suryakumar Yadav stayed patient and kept working on his game even when he was not getting the opportunity to represent India at the senior level. Khan pointed out that Mumbai Indians star's strength was his consistency over the years while waiting for the India call-up. Suryakumar Yadav set IPL 2020 on fire with 480 runs in 16 matches at a strike rate of over 140. Playing at No. 3, the 30-year-old played a pivotal role in helping the Mumbai Indians win their 5th IPL title. Suryakumar had scored 424 runs in IPL 2019 and 512 in IPL 2018 while being consistent for Mumbai in the domestic circuit. However, Suryakumar did not get the India call-up for the much-anticipated Australia tour, leaving the Mumbai batsman disappointed. Nonetheless, the much-awaited chance came during the England series wherein Suryakumar got a T20I as well as ODI call-up.