Suryansh Shedge is the new kid on the block in Mumbai cricket. The 21-year-old is shining in a star-studded Mumbai team at the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. His unbeaten 8-ball 30 against Andhra helped Mumbai top the table. It also meant they avoided the pre-quarterfinals. Against Vidarbha, he smashed 36 off 12 balls. Mumbai is now set for a semifinal clash with Baroda.

While talking to the Indian Express, the young batter notified that he calculated the bowler. 

“Thakur had only one over left, and they had to bowl a spinner. I knew they would bowl a spinner, and I was just waiting for the moment.” 

“As soon as they brought in the off-spinner, I could take my chance and make it a 25-run over. And since Shivam bhaiya was also there, I knew we could take the game away in no time. I was just focusing on a ball-by-ball battle. And I was just going back to my mantra, which I keep repeating even in my room—to believe in myself."

Against Andhra, Ajinkya Rahane anchored a massive chase of 222, aided by Prithvi Shaw’s explosive 26-ball 49. Facing Vidarbha on Wednesday, Suryansh Shedge rose to the challenge as the asking rate hit 15 an over in the final four overs. 

Playing the finisher’s role wasn’t Shedge’s first choice. With India's stars available, he had to adapt. “It is new for me. I’ve been practicing for the role, as this is my first senior T20 tournament, and I didn’t want to lose out on any opportunity. The batting order is packed, so when you play at No. 5 or 6, you have to make adjustments accordingly, and I learnt it will be a one-ball battle,” Shedge says.

While being a young player and a finisher, the batters have to go through rigorous practice. Highlighting the practice and trial sessions, he revealed that he used to stop thinking about the score and focus on different pockets to give an explosive performance.

“So in practice I would target different pockets to score and explore different areas. We were playing a lot of red-ball cricket, and for SMAT, at the nets, I would start playing from the first ball. I’m not sorted as yet, but what I’m trying to do is play shorter sets. So when I play a set of 6 balls, I will keep a target and try to achieve that." Suryansh Shedge began the over with a four and a boundary, finishing it with back-to-back sixes over mid-wicket. Vidarbha leaked 36 runs in just eight balls, turning the game on its head. Mumbai chased it down rather easily, and Shedge sealed the win with a six.

Playing the finisher’s role wasn’t Shedge’s first choice. With India's stars available, he had to adapt. “It is new for me. I’ve been practicing for the role, as this is my first senior T20 tournament, and I didn’t want to lose out on any opportunity. The batting order is packed, so when you play at No. 5 or 6, you have to make adjustments accordingly, and I learnt it will be a one-ball battle,” Shedge says.

Shedge’s journey exemplifies resilience and determination. After warming the bench during Mumbai's SMAT win and battling a stress fracture, he refined his game and worked through the Under-23 circuit to earn a senior call-up. His persistence was rewarded with IPL trials from four franchises, leading to Punjab Kings signing him for Rs 30 lakh. 

He recalled the moment the paddle was raised while travelling with his Mumbai teammates but stayed grounded. “I was definitely happy, but after an hour, I just went back to my usual routines. Playing for Mumbai is an ultimate dream,” he says.