(Source X)
India’s all-rounder Hardik Pandya commended T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav for his exceptional leadership during the thrilling final T20I against Sri Lanka at Pallekele. In a dramatic turn of events, Sri Lanka collapsed, losing 7 wickets for 27 runs, resulting in a tied match.
The climax saw an unexpected twist when Rinku Singh and captain Suryakumar Yadav, who are not regular bowlers in the format, delivered crucial overs. Singh’s penultimate over was especially pivotal, where he snared two wickets for a mere three runs, exploiting the slow, turning pitch conditions to India’s advantage.
Yadav then took charge of the final over with Sri Lanka needing 6 runs off 6 balls. Displaying nerves of steel, Yadav conceded just five runs and claimed two crucial wickets, forcing the match into a Super Over.
Hardik Pandya praises Suryakumar Yadav following India’s thrilling victory over Sri Lanka.
Following the match, Hardik Pandya addressed the dressing room, showering praise on the players for their remarkable resilience. He specifically highlighted Riyan Parag and Shubman Gill for their pivotal partnership, which played a crucial role in India achieving a competitive total.
“First of all, well done! I think in batting first, we were challenged, conditions were difficult but I think that after losing those early wickets, Shubman (Gill) and Riyan (Parag) the way they batted and created the partnership was brilliant (claps).”
“I think when we speak about situational awareness, I think that point of time, what you both did was very very important and that gave us a platform to at least reach to a decent total which our bowlers can make sure and bowl at the right areas,” Pandya stated.
Hardik Pandya also commended India’s lower order for their significant contributions. Washington Sundar’s quickfire 25 off 18 balls and Ravi Bishnoi’s 8 runs were particularly noted for their importance in shaping the team’s total.
“Especially, you know, I always emphasize the fact that the lower order has to chip in and I think Washi (Washington Sundar) and those eight runs by Bishi (Ravi Bishnoi) was very very important (claps),” Pandya said.
The seasoned 30-year-old all-rounder went on to applaud Suryakumar Yadav for his astute management of the bowling resources. He specifically pointed out the pivotal last two overs of the match, bowled by Rinku Singh and Yadav himself, highlighting Yadav’s strategic captaincy in crucial moments.
“As Gauti bhai (Gautam Gambhir) mentioned, Surya (Suryakumar Yadav), well done on making sure that the way you rotated your bowlers, making sure for showing faith in your bowlers, which you gave in the last couple of overs. That was brilliant and as a bowling group, obviously, it was fantastic and everyone chipped in. Washi (Washington Sundar), well-done buddy,” Pandya said
“When you win games like this, eventually it kind of takes us forward. We are taking step by step. But this was definitely a right step going forward for the future and well done to all the guys who are playing ODIs, kill it. Continue!” he concluded.
Despite being Rohit Sharma’s deputy in the T20 World Cup 2024 and initially slated as India’s next captain after Sharma, Hardik Pandya’s recurring injury issues led to the decision for Suryakumar Yadav to be chosen as India’s captain instead.
