India, Jan. 23 -- Suryakumar Yadav produced a statement knock in Raipur, silencing questions around his form with a commanding half-century against New Zealand in Raipur on Friday. Coming in at a tricky moment, the India captain held the innings together after early blows, with both Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson dismissed within the first few deliveries. Rather than panic, Suryakumar showed composure, absorbing pressure before shifting gears decisively. Once set, he took full control of the chase, leading India home with authority in a 209-run chase with 28 balls to spare. He remained unbeaten on 82 off 37 balls, which was embellished with nine fours and four sixes.

The fifty carried added significance, ending a long wait for the mile...