Washington Sundar. (Photo Source: BCCI)
The key takeaway from the third T20I between India and Sri Lanka was the full stop to an ongoing debate about the Indian batters‘ inability to bowl. Taking things to a further extent, Suryakumar Yadav made Rinku Singh bowl the penultimate over and himself delivered the final over as the visitors defended nine runs off 12 balls. The match went into Super Over and Washington Sundar revealed he had no idea that he would be the person in charge.
Suryakumar showed his peculiar captaincy in the series and it was elevated when he looked away from Mohammed Siraj and Khaleel Ahmed, who had one over each left at the death. Moreover, he chose a spinner, Sundar, for the crucial Super Over and the 24-year-old conceded just two runs picking as many wickets before India chased down the target in just one ball with Suryakumar smashing a four.
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“It was amazing from Surya and his leadership skills. I think he felt given the situation if he bowled more spinners we’d have a good chance to win the game. Given the wicket and the situation, he took one or two options, and it did wonders for us. There were only 12 balls to go and Kusal Perera was batting. Rinku got him out and Surya himself came on in the last over and almost won the game for us. We all know he has a big heart when he goes out there to bat, but he also has a big heart in leadership as well,” said Sundar as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
“Honestly, I had no idea I was going to bowl. It was after the batsmen walked out that Surya turned behind and said: ‘Washy, you’re on.’ I was very happy, to be honest. When the captain wants you to bowl especially in tough situations, in a Super Over. I thought it was a great opportunity for me to step up and win games for my country. Thank God it went well,” he added.
The T20I series was the first assignment for both Gautam Gambhir and Suryakumar as head coach and captain, respectively. With the series won 3-0, the duo has the undefeated tag on their chest before venturing into the upcoming three-match ODI series. However, it will be Rohit Sharma at the helm for the 50-over series. In the last six ODIs played between both teams, India have managed to outclass the Asian frenemies on all occasions.