Leading the Indian team in the five-match T20 series against Australia, Suryakumar Yadav Bounces Back showcased his destructive prowess with nine fours and four sixes in a blazing 42-ball 80. In the recent 50-over World Cup, Yadav appeared uncertain about his role, often caught between choices in the longer format. The T20 setting, however, suits him perfectly, as seen in his stellar performance just four days after a setback in Ahmedabad.
Unlike the World Cup final, where he faced confusion due to strategic decisions, Yadav’s designated role in T20s focuses on overs remaining rather than a specific batting position. This clarity allowed him to shepherd a successful chase of 209 against Australia, securing a 1-0 lead in the series. Despite some tension in the final over, Rinku Singh’s decisive plays ensured a two-wicket victory with a ball to spare.
The match overshadowed Josh Inglis’s impressive century and his partnership with Steve Smith, who struggled with a 41-ball 52. Yadav, along with Ishan Kishan and Rinku in the finisher’s role, secured a straightforward equation, needing seven runs off the final over. Although the over had moments of uncertainty, Rinku’s boundary and a subsequent single, followed by a no-ball and a decisive hit over long-off, sealed the victory for India.
Sunday concluded with disappointment across the nation, yet the spirited crowd at the Vizag stadium demonstrated no sense of ‘overkill’ or ‘lack of context.’ Witnessing India achieve their most successful T20I chase, the spectators defied the recent downcast mood.
In the 50-over World Cup, Suryakumar Yadav faced uncertainty, seemingly caught between choices in the longer format. His role wasn’t specific to batting position but rather tied to remaining overs. Even in the final, strategic decisions led to Ravindra Jadeja batting before Suryakumar, minimizing his time at the crease and avoiding confusion. However, the T20 format suits him perfectly, as demonstrated in the recent chase of 209 against Australia, securing a 1-0 lead in the series.
Suryakumar Yadav Bounces Back
The match overshadowed Josh Inglis’s impressive century and his partnership with Steve Smith. Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan, and Rinku Singh played pivotal roles in ensuring India’s victory, despite a challenging equation. The final over had moments of uncertainty, but Rinku’s decisive hits secured the win, including a crucial boundary off a subsequently found no-ball.
The disappointment from Sunday didn’t deter the enthusiastic crowd in Vizag, who witnessed a remarkable achievement as India successfully chased a target of over 200. The match showcased the challenging nature of such targets, with both teams featuring considerably different lineups from the World Cup final.
Suryakumar Yadav, in his first match as India’s captain, showcased his aggressive style, scoring 80 off 42 balls. Ishan Kishan, returning after a hiatus, contributed a valuable 58 off 39 deliveries. Despite early setbacks, their aggressive approach kept India in line with the required run rate. The match highlighted the struggles of the Aussie bowlers, with every bowler, except Jason Behrendorff, conceding runs at a double-digit economy rate.
While many hoped for a quick turnaround during Australia’s chase, Josh Inglis’s impressive performance on Thursday dispelled such expectations. His show proved that the Indian fans’ optimism during the World Cup final might have been misplaced.
Just a week prior to matching Australia’s fastest T20I hundred, Josh Inglis showcased a completely different innings on a spin-friendly pitch in Kolkata. His versatility and adaptability were on full display as he played a crucial role in taking Australia into the World Cup summit clash.
India faced a formidable challenge as they didn’t have their first-choice bowling attack, with Prasidh Krishna, Arshdeep Singh, and Ravi Bishnoi stepping in. Inglis, who also took on the wicketkeeping duties, proved to be the driving force behind Australia breaching the 200-run mark, even though they may have felt they left some runs on the table.
Despite a challenging scenario, the 20th over bowled by Mukesh Kumar proved crucial, conceding just five runs, including a no-ball. Mukesh’s disciplined spell (29 runs in four overs) and Axar Patel’s intervention in the middle overs (32 runs in four) kept India in the game and gave their batting lineup a chance.
The match hung in the balance, and it was Rinku Singh’s presence in the middle that prevented the Australians from staging a comeback. After Suryakumar Yadav’s dismissal with 15 needed off 14 balls, Rinku found crucial boundaries that eased India’s nerves in the final couple of overs.
