In a season that will be remembered for its breathtaking finishes and standout performances, Suryansh Shedge has emerged as the name on every cricket fan’s lips. The 21-year-old Mumbai all-rounder delivered a sensational performance in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (SMAT) 2024/25 final, helping Mumbai clinch their second title in the tournament’s history.
Just a month after being picked by Punjab Kings for his base price of ₹30 lakh at the IPL 2025 mega auction, Shedge proved why he’s one of the most exciting young talents in Indian cricket. His fearless batting, calm under pressure, and ability to finish games have drawn comparisons to the likes of Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes.
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Suryansh Shedge’s Heroics in the SMAT Final
Facing Madhya Pradesh in the final, Mumbai was chasing a competitive target of 175. The match seemed to be slipping away when Mumbai needed 46 runs off 5.2 overs with five wickets in hand. Enter Suryansh Shedge.
The young finisher smashed an unbeaten 36 off 15 balls, including three sixes and three fours, to take Mumbai over the line with 13 balls to spare. His fearless hitting against bowlers like Venkatesh Iyer and Tripuresh Singh sealed the game and earned him the Player of the Match award.
Key Stats from Shedge’s Knockout Performances
Shedge’s performances in the knockout stages of the SMAT were nothing short of extraordinary:
- Quarterfinal: 6* off 1 ball
- Semifinal: 36* off 12 balls
- Final: 36* off 15 balls
With a strike rate of 278.57 in the knockout stages, Shedge now holds the record for the highest strike rate in SMAT knockout history (minimum three innings).
How Mumbai Clinched the Title?
While Suryansh Shedge’s fireworks stole the show, Mumbai’s victory was a team effort.
- Ajinkya Rahane (37 off 30) and Suryakumar Yadav (48 off 35) laid the foundation for the chase with a steady partnership.
- Atharva Ankolekar (16* off 6) provided the finishing touches alongside Shedge.
Earlier, Mumbai’s bowlers restricted Madhya Pradesh to 174/8, despite a brilliant unbeaten 81 from MP skipper Rajat Patidar*.
With this win, Mumbai joined Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Baroda as teams to win multiple SMAT titles. Their first title came in the 2022/23 season, where they defeated Himachal Pradesh in the final.
Suryansh Shedge: A Star in the Making
Shedge’s performances in the SMAT have cemented his reputation as a clutch player. But his journey to this point hasn’t been easy.
Overcoming Challenges
In 2023, Shedge suffered a stress fracture in the L4 region, which ruled him out of the SMAT season and led to his release by the Lucknow Super Giants. The injury was a major setback, but Shedge credits his family, coaches, and mentors—Abhishek Nair, Monty Desai, and Manish Bangera—for helping him bounce back.
“The first two months were hard for me. But my parents and coaches helped me a lot when I was going through the motions,” Shedge shared.
The Finisher’s Mindset
Shedge’s ability to handle pressure and finish games is no accident. He has honed his skills through meticulous practice and mental preparation.
“I was told beforehand that this would be my role—batting at 5 or 6. So, I tweaked my practice sessions. I played 6-ball sets, trying to score a certain number of runs in those 6 balls. It helped me simulate match situations,” Shedge explained.
He also emphasized the importance of staying decisive at the crease:
“Before the bowler starts his run-up, I don’t think of any shots. Once he starts running, my brain commits to a shot. If you’re in a dilemma, you won’t connect. But when you go for it, it becomes muscle memory.”
Inspiration from Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes
Suryansh Shedge admires Hardik Pandya and Ben Stokes, two of the best finishers in modern cricket. Like his idols, Shedge thrives under pressure and relishes the challenge of delivering for his team.
“I like competition. I like pressure because it tests me. At the end of the night, when my head hits the pillow, I want to feel the satisfaction of doing something for the team,” he said.
To stay calm in high-pressure situations, Shedge has incorporated breathing exercises into his routine, which he says help him channel his high energy levels.
Captain Shreyas Iyer’s Vote of Confidence
Mumbai skipper Shreyas Iyer, who led the team to both the IPL 2025 title and the SMAT trophy in the same year, had high praise for Shedge:
“He’s a phenomenal talent. He’s always there for the team, goes full throttle, and is hell-bent on achieving success. What fascinates me is his work ethic. Even after games, he trains hard, and you can see it in his athletic ability.”
What’s Next for Suryansh Shedge?
With his stellar SMAT season and a spot in the Punjab Kings squad for IPL 2025, Shedge’s career is on an upward trajectory. His ability to perform under pressure, combined with his hunger to improve, makes him a player to watch in the coming years.
Off the field, Shedge is a self-proclaimed cricket nerd who spends hours watching YouTube footage of matches to deepen his understanding of the game.
“I watch a lot of cricket. It instills love for the game, and that love keeps growing,” he said.
Final Thoughts: The Rise of a New Finisher
Suryansh Shedge’s journey from injury setbacks to SMAT glory is a testament to his resilience, talent, and determination. His performances in the 2024/25 season have not only powered Mumbai to their second SMAT title but have also announced his arrival as one of India’s most exciting young cricketers.
As Shedge prepares for the IPL 2025 season with Punjab Kings, fans can expect more fireworks from this rising star. The day isn’t far when cricket returns the love and dedication Shedge has poured into the game.
