India, Jan. 27 -- Moments after India completed a stunning 10-over chase of 154 at Guwahati, New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell ran to Suryakumar Yadav and playfully inspected his bat. Suryakumar had blasted a 26-ball 57, his second fifty in as many matches after a 37-ball 82 at Raipur. Perhaps, Mitchell was just checking out the make and meat of Suryakumar's bat or it was an open admiration of a player who can do some astounding deeds with the bat.

When in flow, Suryakumar can have that effect on fans and opponents alike, evoking awe and appreciation in equal measure. But the team management will be experiencing a different, more practical emotion - relief. The skipper finding his touch is the brightest portend ahead of next month's T20 World...