At just 21, Suryansh Shedge shows great maturity and focus in his approach to cricket. Unlike earlier generations, today's young cricketers, including Shedge, are well-prepared with strong support systems and clear plans for their growth. Shedge has already made a mark, scoring 343 runs in nine first-class innings at an average of 49, with three half-centuries and a top score of 99. His standout performances in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he impressed with both bat and ball, have brought him into the spotlight as a rising talent.
Although Suryansh Shedge didn’t score a half-century in the 2024 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, his contributions in critical moments were nothing short of match-winning. In a thrilling encounter against Andhra Pradesh, with Mumbai chasing a tough target of 230 and struggling at 200/6, Shedge unleashed an explosive unbeaten 30 off just 8 balls, leading Mumbai to victory with three balls to spare. In the quarterfinal against Vidarbha, with Mumbai needing 222 and sitting at 157/4, Shedge once again rose to the occasion, smashing a quickfire 36 off 12 balls to guide his team to another thrilling win. His calmness, sharp decision-making, and ability to accelerate under pressure made him a standout performer.
Suryansh Shedge saved his best for the final against Madhya Pradesh. Chasing 175, Mumbai was in trouble at 129/5, but Shedge remained calm and smashed an unbeaten 36 off just 15 balls, including three sixes and three fours, guiding his team to their second Syed Mushtaq Ali title. With a striking tournament strike rate of 251.92, he proved himself as a true match-winner.
Shedge credits his composure to hours of practice, which have turned his shots into muscle memory. He also emphasizes the importance of learning from senior players and trusting his instincts, knowing that self-belief is key to performing under pressure.
Suryansh Shedge’s approach to batting is built on confidence and clarity. "From ball one, if I trust my abilities, I’m going to hit every ball," he says, emphasizing that he doesn't overthink the game. He believes in getting settled with a few balls, then going for the big hits. "It’s all about self-belief and a calm mind," he adds, explaining how breathing exercises help him stay focused before every match.
Among his 13 sixes in the competition, one shot truly showcased his versatility—a brilliant Suryakumar-style flick over deep backward square leg in the final. How did he pull it off? Shedge attributes it to relentless practice and self-belief: "When you practice against different bowlers, it becomes second nature. There’s no room for doubt. If you hesitate, you miss. But if you commit, you connect."
While Shedge is known for his explosive hitting, his captain, Shreyas Iyer, praises him for his all-around skills. "He’s a phenomenal athlete. Whether it’s running crucial twos, bowling key overs, or fielding, he gives everything for the team. His energy is relentless, and that’s what impresses me most," says Iyer. He highlights Shedge’s unwavering commitment, noting that his small, yet significant contributions—like taking quick twos—show his 110% effort for the team.
Iyer admires Shedge’s work ethic, pointing out that he consistently puts in the hard yards, even after the game. "His fitness and ability to cover ground are exceptional, and these details matter when selecting players for a team," Iyer adds, confident that Shedge has stepped up at the perfect moment.
Shedge’s cricketing journey began early, marked by bold and flamboyant play. From smashing the fastest triple century in the Giles Shield to impressing in his T20 debut for Mumbai, he has stayed true to his aggressive style. Inspired by all-rounders like Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes, Shedge aims to have a similar impact on the game. Despite the excitement surrounding his IPL prospects, he remains grounded, saying, "I aim to grow as a player and a person."
