(Source X)
Former cricketer Mohammad Kaif showered accolades on India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav following India’s dramatic victory over Sri Lanka in the third T20I of their series in Pallekele. India’s comprehensive 3-0 series sweep was secured with this win.
Despite India being 110-1, the match seemed to slip away as Sri Lanka appeared set for their first win. However, Sri Lanka’s sudden collapse, losing 7 wickets for just 22 runs, turned the tide.
Needing 9 runs from the last two overs, Sri Lanka were in a commanding position. Yet, a bold decision by Suryakumar Yadav to entrust Rinku Singh with the ball proved pivotal. Singh conceded only three runs and claimed two crucial wickets, swinging the momentum back in India’s favor.
With 6 runs required from the final over, rather than opting for the experienced Mohammed Siraj, Suryakumar Yadav took charge himself. Bowling to his set field, he conceded just 5 runs and captured 2 wickets, forcing the match into a Super Over.
Mohammad Kaif compares Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy to Rohit Sharma’s.
Following the match, Mohammad Kaif praised Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy and drew parallels between his leadership style and that of Rohit Sharma. Kaif went on to describe Suryakumar as a protege of Rohit Sharma, highlighting the influence and guidance he has received from the seasoned captain.
“Bhai Rohit Sharma ka chela hai Surya.. 19th over Rinku se, 20th over khud SKY and won the game (Suryakumar Yadav is Rohit Sharma’s disciple. 19th over to Rinku and 20th over himself). What else one needs to be a great leader?” Kaif posted on X (formerly Twitter).
In the thrilling Super Over that followed, Suryakumar Yadav made a surprising move by handing the ball to offspinner Washington Sundar. This decision proved to be a stroke of genius as Sundar immediately struck, taking two wickets in successive deliveries to dismiss Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka.
Washington Sundar excels with the ball.
The 24-year-old bowled to his field impeccably, inducing the batsmen into risky strokes that led to their dismissals, leaving India needing just 3 runs to seal the match. Taking charge in the Super Over, Suryakumar Yadav faced the first delivery from Maheesh Theekshana and effortlessly swept it to the boundary, capitalizing on a lapse by the short fine leg fielder.
Suryakumar Yadav was appointed as India’s T20I captain following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from the format after India’s triumph in the 2024 T20 World Cup. The dynamic middle-order batsman also clinched the Player of the Series award in his maiden series as India’s permanent captain.
Initially slated to be Rohit’s deputy for the T20 World Cup 2024, Hardik Pandya was expected to take over the captaincy role. However, due to concerns over Hardik’s injury and fitness history, the selectors opted to hand the captaincy to Suryakumar Yadav instead.
