“Rohit bhai usually never stands at long-on but at that moment he was there,” Suryakumar shared with The Indian Express. “So when the ball was coming, for a second I looked at him and he looked at me. I ran and my aim was to catch the ball. Had he [Rohit] been closer, I would have thrown the ball towards him. But he was nowhere close. In those four to five seconds, whatever happened, I can’t explain.”
There has been speculation on social media about whether the catch was clean or if Suryakumar’s foot touched the advertising skirting. Despite various videos circulating, the replays remain inconclusive. Suryakumar, however, was confident that he hadn’t touched the rope and that it was a fair catch, emphasizing the importance of not letting his foot cross the boundary line.
Suryakumar credited fielding coach T Dilip for motivating the team to push boundaries with their fielding performances. He also revealed the meticulous preparation that goes into such catches, highlighting the rigorous training sessions focusing on different fielding skills.
Suryakumar attributed his balance and agility to his fitness regime, which involved a significant weight loss during a period of recovery from injuries. Working closely with a nutritionist and following a strict diet and exercise routine, he transformed his physique and improved his overall performance on the field.
Reflecting on the overwhelming response to his catch and the euphoria of becoming a world champion, Suryakumar expressed gratitude for being part of that crucial moment. The catch has garnered widespread attention on social media, with countless messages and calls flooding in to acknowledge his exceptional feat.
