Suryakumar powers India to T20 series win
SURYAKUMAR YADAV, the world’s leading Twenty20 batsman, said Saturday (7) he was thriving in his role as a ‘game-changer’ after smashing a blazing century in India’s series-clinching 91-run win over Sri Lanka.
The hosts rode on Suryakumar’s unbeaten 112 off 51 deliveries to post 228-5 after electing to bat first in the series decider in Rajkot.
India then bowled out Sri Lanka for 137 in 16.4 overs for a 2-1 triumph to extend their unbeaten record in bi-lateral series to 12 on home turf which stretches back to February 2019.
Suryakumar, known as a 360-degree player for his ability to play all around the ground, stood out with his third T20 hundred - in 45 balls - as he stamped his class as the world’s number one batsman in the format.
‘It’s really important to put pressure on yourself when you are preparing for a game. If you do that in practice, it gets a little easier while playing the game,’ man of the match Suryakumar said.
Asked about his conversations with coach Rahul Dravid, a batting great in the classical mould, Suryakumar said, ‘He just lets me enjoy myself, whatever I am doing’.
‘Whatever situation I go in he tells me ‘just enjoy yourself, express yourself and try and be the game-changer on a given day’.
Skipper Hardik Pandya praised Suryakumar, known as ‘SKY’, saying, ‘He has been surprising everyone and making everyone know that batting is very easy’.
‘If I am a bowler, I will be disheartened with the shots he plays. He has played blinders after blinders, which is now becoming a habit.’
The T20 sensation smashed seven fours and nine sixes including three off his trademark scoop shot over fine leg to entertain the raucous home crowd.
India lost two wickets inside six overs after electing to bat first but Suryakumar and Shubman Gill, who hit 46 off 36 deliveries, put on 111 runs to lay the foundations for the total.
Left-arm quick Dilshan Madushanka struck in the opening over to send back the left-handed Ishan Kishan, caught at slip for one by Dhananjaya de Silva.