(Source X)
According to all-rounder Washington Sundar, Suryakumar Yadav’s strategic decisions during crucial moments of the game, such as bringing in Rinku Singh for the penultimate over and bowling himself in the final one, proved decisive in India’s victory in the third T20I against Sri Lanka.
In a tightly contested match, characterized by low scores, India managed a remarkable win, largely thanks to Suryakumar’s astute bowling changes towards the conclusion of the Sri Lankan innings.
In the chase of 138 runs, Sri Lanka appeared poised for a straightforward victory, requiring just 12 runs from the last two overs with six wickets still in hand. However, Suryakumar Yadav’s tactical masterstroke altered the course of the game. He entrusted Rinku Singh with the penultimate over, where Singh’s figures of 1 run conceded and 2 crucial wickets turned the tide. Suryakumar himself took charge in the final over, claiming additional wickets to stun Sri Lanka.
In the subsequent Super Over, Sri Lanka faltered, losing two wickets within four balls. India capitalized on this momentum immediately, chasing down the target of three runs on the very first delivery, with Suryakumar striking a boundary to secure a series clean sweep for his team.
“Honestly, it’s amazing of him, amazing of his leadership skills to be honest because (with) 12 balls (left and) 12 (runs) to win and for him to bring Rinku (on), especially when Kushal Perera is batting, and Rinku got him out and Surya (then) himself came in the last over and won the game for us,” Sundar told the media after the match.
“We all know he has a big heart when he goes out there to bat but also he has a big heart in terms of leadership as well. All the credit to him and (it was) amazing of him.”
Sundar highlighted that throughout the match, Suryakumar was adamant about India’s need to consistently take wickets in the middle overs, despite Sri Lanka maintaining control of the run chase.
“Surya kept telling us that one or two wickets in between games would definitely change and obviously in these kinds of games, low-scoring 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 said.
“He kept saying that (with) one or two wickets in the middle, especially in the middle overs between 11 to 15, (we) will definitely be in the game and exactly that’s what happened.
“I hope the audience enjoyed the game because you won’t see such games every now and then but to be a part of this kind of a game and to be a part of this game honestly feels great,” he added.
Sundar, who contributed 25 runs with the bat and claimed two wickets, expressed his surprise at being tasked with bowling the Super Over. Nevertheless, he was delighted that he could deliver for his country on that crucial occasion.
“Honestly I had no idea that I was going to bowl but after the batsmen walked out to bat, Surya just turned behind (to look) and he said ‘Washy you are on’,” Sundar recalled.
“I was very happy, to be honest when the captain wants you to bowl in tough situations, especially in Super Over, I thought it was a great opportunity for me to step up and win the game for my country and thank God things went well,” he added.
