Long ago, the cricket world witnessed batters playing reverse sweep shots behind the wickets. From ramp shots to Dil-scoop, many runs have been scored behind the wickets. But Suryakumar Yadav has made the “Scoop” shot famous. He effortlessly hits boundaries behind the wicket. How did Surya master this shot? He explains it himself.
Speaking at an event through digital media, Surya talked about his shot. The name “Scoop” comes from Mumbai’s gully cricket. This shot is well-known in tennis ball cricket. Surya said, “The name ‘Scoop’ comes from Mumbai’s gully tennis ball cricket. I also started playing cricket in Mumbai’s alleys. I used to play with tennis balls. So, when everyone started calling this shot the ‘Scoop,’ I felt really happy.”
Surya revealed that he honed his skills by playing cricket in Mumbai’s alleys. He credits tennis ball cricket for his mastery of this shot.
He said, “I used to play with my school friends on cement pitches. The boundary on the off-side was 20 meters away. On the leg side, it was 90-100 meters away. During rain, we played with rubber balls. It became very difficult when the ball got wet.
Everyone aimed for my legs. So, to score runs, I had to play behind the wicket. That’s where I started playing this shot. Many have asked me how much practice I do for this shot. I tell everyone, I have grown up playing this shot since childhood. So, I don’t need to think much about it.”
This shot brings both runs and the risk of getting out. If the ball doesn’t hit the bat properly, it could result in a catch. So, selecting the right ball to play this shot is crucial. Surya does just that.
He said, “I play this shot when the ball targets my body. I try to stay on the line of the ball. Because if I’m not on the line, playing this shot becomes very difficult. I don’t think about anything beforehand.
So, even on the first ball of the innings, I can play this shot. I don’t think about whether there’s a fielder at the boundary or not. Because I know if I play this shot, the ball will go to the gallery.”
In the ongoing IPL, Surya has scored 334 runs in 9 matches. He has an average of 41.75 and a strike rate of 176.71. He has scored one century and three half-centuries with his bat. Indian fans also have high hopes for Surya in the T20 World Cup. They hope to see his ‘Scoop’ shot from his bat there too.
