Suryakumar Yadav (BCCI photo) CHENNAI: May seems to be a month of meaningless Clasicos. While the protagonists of the original – Barcelona and Real Madrid – play the Catalan giants at the Nou Camp next Sunday, who have all of La Liga behind them, the Indian version at the MAC this Saturday is probably also just an academic interest.Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians are three and four wins respectively from leading the pack of four and it will take a miracle for these underperforming giants to make it to the playoffs.While the teams may have nothing to play for other than pride, there is quite a bit at stake for the players. At the top of this list is Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20 World Cup captain. Although hailed as captain, there was no doubt that he had a poor World Cup with 157 runs in seven matches, including 84 runs against USA in the first match itself.Right after the World Cup, Surya talked about his ambitions to lead the team at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028. But the way things are shaping up for him in the IPL looks far away.The 35-year-old is having one of his worst IPL seasons since 2021, managing 317 runs at an average of 22.64. This year, when the team needs a senior pro to step up and deliver, ‘SKY’ falters time and time again, leaving MI in a deep hole. His 162 runs in eight games is too few, especially when he’s hitting at No. 3 or No. 4.However, Mumbai Indians coach Mahela Jayawardene jumped to his player’s defense ahead of Friday’s training session. “He bats as well as anybody in practice. And even in matches he hits the ball well and the way he got out a few times is quite unfortunate. He got some good balls too,” said Jayawardene, adding that he has been through similar situations as a batsman.The coach insisted that Surya must “keep trusting his thought process and his ability. He’s that kind of player; very unorthodox. We’re just encouraging him. He’s had three, four great years and a little run can happen. He’s still going to come in with a smile and play the same way he knows,” the coach added.But Surya knows that Shreyas Iyer is having an outstanding season for the Punjab Kings and can become a contender not only for his place in India but also for the throne. That’s added pressure and in a situation like that, an injured CSK on a pitch at the MAC with thousands screaming against you isn’t the easiest solution. But then the right-hander has dealt with adversity in his long career and all his fans will be hoping that the ‘Clasico’ will mark the beginning of a comeback for the T20 great.
