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‘That Was The Plan’ - Suryakumar Yadav Reflects On India's Loss To AUS In Third T20I

image-lpinb8h4Suryakumar Yadav during a team huddle in Guwahati (x.com)

Team India fell short of a rampaging Glenn Maxwell in Guwahati in the third T20I of their five-match series. Despite charting up 222-3 off their 20 overs, Maxwell’s calculated assault snatched away the game from the hosts off the final ball of the match.

During the post-match presentation, India’s interim captain Suryakumar Yadav spoke highly of his opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, and held his fighting century from the first innings in high regards.

Suryakumar reveals team plan, praises Ruturaj

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav, who scored a rapid 29-ball 39 and formed a counterattacking partnership with centurion Ruturaj Gaikwad, praised the opening batsman for his belligerent innings against the Australian attack. He said:

“Fantastic. I mean, the way Ruturaj Gaikwad batted after I got out, he took the inning deep. I've always said during franchise cricket as well, that he is a special player. And the way he batted, he showed it, but yeah, at the end. Very proud of my boys.”

Suryakumar also praised Glenn Maxwell for his run-chase masterclass, considering the Australian all-rounder led his side’s run-scoring charge amidst intense pressure. Maxwell bludgeoned eight boundaries and eight sixes and blazed Australia past India’s 222 off the last ball of the match.

The Indian skipper stated that the game plan was to get Maxwell out, but the dew made it difficult for his bowlers to make an impact in the match.

“Just to get Maxi out quickly. I think that was the plan, but yeah, I mean, when you're defending 200-210 with so much dew I think you got to give something to the bowlers.”

Suryakumar also defended his decision of opting for struggling Prasidh Krishna for the final over of the match instead of all-rounder Axar Patel. He said:

“I think I wanted to keep him (Axar) and let him bowl in the end because he's already bowled a few overs in the 19th and 20th over, so he's experienced as well. And I've always thought an experienced bowler bowling in the end, even though it's a spinner with a heavy dew, there's always a chance.”

Australia’s five-wicket win in Guwahati reduced their 2-0 deficit by a game, and the two sides will now collide in the fourth T20I of their five-match series in Raipur on December 1.