Washington Sundar lauds ‘big heart’ Suryakumar Yadav’s bold captaincy.
In the last game of the T20I series against Sri Lanka, India’s brave captaincy by Suryakumar Yadav and calculated risk-taking led to a thrilling third match win on Tuesday.
India defended 138 in low scoring game when it mattered most with unconventional moves from Yadav. It was his ability to think on his feet that made the difference after nine runs were required off two overs with six wickets intact for Sri Lanka.
Even though Rinku Singh had never bowled in any T20Is before, he was brought into the attack for the penultimate over by Suryakumar. Rinku bowled really well under pressure, taking two crucial wickets and conceding three runs only. After that, Yadav himself took charge of the ball for the final over and successfully held back six runs which resulted in taking them to a Super Over where Sri Lanka lost its first two wickets off just four balls enabling India to easily chase down three runs (with an opening ball boundary hit by Suryakumar) for a series whitewash.
“This is fantastic of him; this is fantastic leadership from him because twelve balls left twelve runs needed to win he came up with Rinku. When Kusal Perera was batting there abouts but brought Rins and then he got out so himself came in next and won us the game,” said Washington Sundar according to Parami News post-match interview. “And we know when he goes out there to bat, he has big heart but also even as far as a leadership aspect is concerned also I know how much big heart has been put into it too. Hats off to him then.”
Sundar who batted and bowled felt that maintaining pressure on Sri Lanka by insisting on picking wickets during middle overs by Suryakumar played a great role.
“Surya kept telling us that one or two wickets in between game would definitely change and obviously in these kinds of games even run-a-ball would put a lot of pressure on the batsmen because they need to get the job done especially when the wicket has something for the bowler,” he explained.
“(With) one or two wickets in the middle, especially in the middle overs between 11 to 15, (we) will definitely be in game that’s what Surya was saying. I hope all enjoyed this match as such matches are not seen often but it is really great to be part of cricket like this and playing this game,” added Sundar.
Sundar was also surprised and pleased by captain’s request to bowl Super Over. “Honestly I had no idea that I was going to bowl but after they walked out, Surya just turned behind and said ‘Washy you are on’.” Sundar remembered. “The feeling was really good actually getting told by your captain that you are gonna bowl in hard situations especially during a super over so it was a big opportunity for me step up and win my country’s game for us so thank god things went well,” he added.
This series victory not only underscored the remarkable capacities of Indian players but also created a positive backdrop for Gautam Gambhir’s stewardship as the coach.
