Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif was impressed by Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy in the third T20I against Sri Lanka on Tuesday. Defending a paltry target of 138 runs, Surya opted for unconventional tactics in the death overs. When Sri Lanka needed only 9 runs in the last 12 deliveries, the Indian captain brought Rinku Singh into the attack. The decision proved crucial as Rinku gave away only three runs in the 19th over while picking two wickets. Mohammed Siraj and Khaleel Ahmed each had one over left in their spell. Yet, Surya decided to roll his arms over and bowled the last six balls. He also fetched two consecutive scalps as Sri Lanka wrapped up their innings at 137 runs.
The hosts managed only 2 runs in the Super Over. For India, Suryakumar Yadav sealed the deal with a boundary in the first ball, leading his team to complete a 3-0 whitewash in the T20I series.
After the match was over in Pallekele, Mohammad Kaif hailed Surya for his smart bowling changes, comparing him with former T20I captain Rohit Sharma.
“Bhai Rohit Sharma ka chela hai Surya.. 19th over Rinku se, 20th over khud SKY and won the game. What else does one need to be a great leader?” Mohammad Kaif shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Bhai Rohit Sharma ka chela hai Surya.. 19th over Rinku se, 20th over khud SKY and won the game. What else one needs to be a great leader?— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 30, 2024
Suryakumar Yadav spoke about his unconventional strategy in the final two overs during the post-match conversation. He felt that Rinku would be able to trouble the batter with his right-arm off-spin variety on the sluggish surface of Pallekele.
“The decision for the 20th over was easy, the difficult part was for the 19th over. Siraj and a few others had their overs left. But I felt Rinku was better suited for that wicket because I have seen him bowling and I made him practice a lot at the nets. I felt it was right and that is why I took that call,” Surya said on Sony Sports, as quoted by Hindustan Times.
Ex-India pacer Ashish Nehra further asked Surya the reason behind sending Rinku Singh before himself. The Indian skipper replied, “I knew the 19th over has always been difficult for Indian cricket. That is why I gave the responsibility to Rinku. For a right-hander bowling to a left-hander, it is always difficult for the batter.”
Team India will now play a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka, under the captaincy of Rohit Sharma. The first game is scheduled for August 2.
Comments
0 comment