Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav played a dazzling knock of 69 runs off just 36 balls in the deciding T20I against Australia at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad on Sunday. Yadav’s knock helped India in getting close to the target of 187 runs as he stitched a fine alliance of 104 runs with Virat Kohli off just 62 balls.

However, not many knew that Yadav was not feeling well before the start of the game. The 32-year-old had a stomach ache and he was also nursing fever however he told the physio and the doctor to get him ready for the crucial match. Yadav said he won’t have sit out if this was the World Cup final and wanted to play at any cost.

“We were traveling and there was a change in weather too. I had a stomach ache in the morning and also had fever. But it was also a decider. I told our physio and doctor, if this was a World Cup final, how would I react? Suryakumar told BCCI.tv during an exchange with India all-rounder Axar Patel.

“I won’t just sit out saying it’s an illness. So do whatever, give me whatever pills or injection you want, but just get me ready for the game in the evening. Once you go into the match and wear that India jersey, the emotions are totally different.”

Yadav added that he wanted to express himself at the crease and back his natural game. The right-hander was able to time the ball to perfection and scored all around the ground.

“I practice the same way as I want to bat in the match. I believe in just one thing: go and express yourself. If my success rate is above 75%, why not? I just think when I walk out, if I’m batting well, then I try to carry that phase on and try and finish off games,” added Suryakumar.

It was a superb knock from the Mumbai batter as he batted at the top of his game and took the attack against the Australian bowlers with great success.

Yadav decided to play despite not being fully fit and it goes to show the passion and hunger he has to perform for the team in crucial matches.