Suryakumar Yadav had played a knock of 76 in the third T20I, and the all-rounder Hardik Pandya was full of praise for the star India batter.
Suryakumar Yadav was the star of the show in the third T20I of the five-match series against West Indies as he played a knock of 76 runs to help India chase down 165 runs with seven wickets in hand and one over to spare.
Suryakumar Yadav Getting His Due Late In His Life: Hardik Pandya
After the win, Hardik Pandya addressed a press conference where he spoke about the talent of Suryakumar Yadav and how the side gets more balance when he bowls his full quota of four overs.
“Surya is someone who is an exceptional player, when he starts playing some shots, you are just in awe. A lot of credit goes to him, he has worked hard. He is getting his due late in his life but god is kind to him and he is getting the maximum,” Hardik Pandya said.
The opener Suryakumar Yadav’s 44-ball 76 on a tricky surface ensured India did not have to break too much sweat in their chase. Suryakumar Yadav has six scores of fifty or more in 20 innings in T20I cricket. Three of them have come from No.3, including the one on his debut against England in Ahmedabad last year, and two from No.4.
On Tuesday, he hit his latest half-century as an opening batter, after his partner Rohit Sharma had to retire hurt on 11, turning a potentially tricky chase of 165 into a straightforward one in St Kitts.
Suryakumar Yadav had to wait long before he finally got a break in the international circuit. The England series at home, which was played earlier this year, was his first outing in India colours and the star batter stamped his authority straightaway, kicking off the journey with a commanding six to Jofra Archer in the first delivery he played in international cricket.
More recently this July, at Trent Bridge, he walloped 117 off 55 balls in a chase of 216 where no other Indian batter passed 30.
Hardik Pandya Reckons His Bowling Adds Necessary Balance To Indian Side
In the match, Hardik Pandya had returned with a spell of 1-19 in four overs, and this helped the visitors restrict West Indies to 164/5 in 20 overs.
“Obviously, I have enjoyed bowling whenever I have bowled. I have mentioned it earlier multiple times, that this was the reason that I felt I should take some time off so that my bowling comes in because I have realised that when I bowl, it gives a lot of balance to the side and confidence to the captain.
“Yes, I used to bowl before, I used to be a filler if someone is not bowling. I can proudly say that now I can bowl four overs as the third or fourth seamer. I can contribute as equally as I do with the bat,” said Hardik.
“I am grateful, I have always thought that hardwork is the key to you making a comeback. No matter the hardships, you always rise through and you get what you deserve, if you do the hardwork. Last World Cup was different, this World Cup will be different. I have always maintained balance in my life, if I do well, I will smile and same reaction would be there even if I do not do well,” he added.
Talking about being the vice-captain of India’s T20I side for the series against West Indies, Hardik said: “Obviously, very privileged to be even the vice-captain. Rohit gives you a lot of flexibility and freedom which is his strength.
“Here as well, a lot of credit goes to him and Rahul Dravid for the way they have got the team together and for making sure that a lot of positive mindsets comes in. Players are feeling secure, they are not looking over their shoulders.”
“They are getting ample chances and they are getting told as well if they are not playing. That is something which is commendable. I have always enjoyed the responsibility and it has added a little bit flair to my game. When I think more, it adds more to my cricket,” he added.
Hardik Pandya, the India vice-captain for the ongoing West Indies T20I series, has credited skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid for ensuring increased freedom, security, and communication for the players.
India captain Rohit Sharma retired hurt while batting against West Indies in the third T20I on Tuesday. The skipper appeared to have pulled a muscle near his waist as he left the field holding his back.
Suryakumar Yadav’s scintillating 76-run knock was complemented by Rishabh Pant’s mature unbeaten 33 as India beat West Indies by 7 wickets in the 3rd T20I to go 2-1 in the 5-match series. Chasing 165 for victory, India crossed the finish line with 6 balls to spare.