(Source X)

Suryakumar Yadav’s bold decision to entrust Rinku Singh with the ball during a crucial juncture in the thrilling third T20I against Sri Lanka has ignited a flurry of responses across the cricketing fraternity. However, Yadav’s audacious move, though unconventional, proved pivotal in altering the course of the game in India’s favor.

In a tense encounter where India found themselves under immense pressure, Suryakumar, renowned for his strategic acumen, opted to take a calculated risk by introducing Rinku, a player whose bowling had largely been confined to net sessions rather than competitive matches, during the 19th over of Sri Lanka’s chase in Kandy.

Indian players and support staff discuss Suryakumar Yadav’s bold move in the third T20I against Sri Lanka.

The Indian cricket team reaped incredible rewards from this tactical maneuver, as Rinku Singh delivered a remarkable performance, conceding only three runs and claiming two crucial wickets in his six deliveries, precisely when Sri Lanka required just nine runs from the final twelve balls. Adding to the drama, Suryakumar Yadav himself stepped up, defending the remaining six runs in the 20th over and securing two dismissals in the match.

Following India’s triumphant series win against Sri Lanka, interim bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule disclosed that it was Suryakumar Yadav who made the pivotal call to entrust Rinku with the ball during that decisive moment. Bahutule lauded Yadav for his ability to surprise opponents and make game-changing decisions, emphasizing the significance of his leadership in the team’s success.

Sairaj Bahutule said in a video posted by the BCCI on X: “The way I think Surya operates, you can never be short of surprises. I think it was a great decision again.”

Furthermore, Yadav himself shared insights into his decision-making process, citing his wealth of experience in high-pressure matches. Drawing from his own playing career and observing the strategies of captains he played under, Yadav explained that his decision to trust Singh with the pivotal over was informed by his understanding of such tense situations and the strategic use of bowlers in crucial moments.

It was a great decision by Surya: Washington Sundar

Sundar said in the same video: “It was a great decision by Surya, first of all, to bring in Rinku. Rinku definitely makes things very difficult for us when he bowls to us in the net. And now he has shown it in the games as well. Obviously, Surya has to bring himself in, especially in one of the most tense situations. And, you know, almost winning the game for the team was amazing.”

Furthermore, Yadav himself shared insights into his decision-making process, citing his wealth of experience in high-pressure matches. Drawing from his own playing career and observing the strategies of captains he played under, Yadav explained that his decision to trust Singh with the pivotal over was informed by his understanding of such tense situations and the strategic use of bowlers in crucial moments.

Suryakumar said, “I have played these close games many times before. I have played under other captains. So, I have seen how they win the game in the last overs, till the last ball. And I had told Rinku, Riyan Parag, and everyone to keep bowling in the nets. Because the wickets here are such that even if it’s a little dry, you have to bowl. It’s simple. It’s a high-risk, high-reward system.”

I didn’t expect to get the ball in such a crucial situation: Rinku Singh

On the flip side, Rinku Singh conveyed his initial astonishment upon being called to bowl. While he had been diligently preparing for such an opportunity, the actual moment of being asked to bowl came as a surprise to him. He disclosed that there had been no prior plan for him to bowl in the match, underscoring the spontaneity of the decision made by the team management under pressure.

Rinku Singh said in the same video shared by the BCCI on X: “Surya Bhai had already told me to be ready for the ball. Yesterday, Surya Bhai told me that I have to bowl. I have to warm up a little before the match. When the match was going on, I had no hope that I would get the ball. And suddenly, he told me to turn my hand. So, I turned my hand. What’s the plan? You know, two wickets.”