Suryakumar Yadav showcased his blistering form in the crucial third T20I clash against the West Indies in Guyana on Tuesday. With the series hanging at 0-2, the Indian team was determined to stage a comeback, and Suryakumar rose to the occasion with a breathtaking performance that set the stadium ablaze.
In pursuit of a target of 160, vice-captain Suryakumar unleashed his prowess, hammering an explosive 83 off 44 balls. His innings included an impressive tally of 10 boundaries and 4 sixes. He combined forces with Tilak Varma in an impactful 87-run partnership for the third wicket, propelling India to a commanding 7-wicket victory.
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Following his match-winning display, Suryakumar engaged in heartwarming interactions with the Indian fans present at the Providence Stadium in Guyana. In a video shared on the BCCI’s official Twitter page, Suryakumar could be seen signing autographs for enthusiastic fans in the stands. He also bestowed his jersey upon a specially-abled fan, sharing a joyful moment and capturing a photograph together.
The fans in Guyana witnessed a SKY special in the 3rd #WIvIND T20I 💥
Not much later, they got to meet the Player of the match @surya_14kumar himself 😃👌 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/xE6pKGtBgD
— BCCI (@BCCI) August 9, 2023
This affable gesture by Suryakumar left a lasting impression on fans, who hailed him as a true gem. Supporters expressed their hopes for his excellence to extend beyond T20 cricket and shine in the ODI format, becoming a reliable asset in India’s middle order.
etna humble kese hoskta hai Insaan..Sky you are GEM & so much down to earth🥺❤️
— Abhisek Pani (@AbhisekPan9122) August 9, 2023
why can’t SKY do this in ODI …got to tell him that is T20 & play like that…at this point, will NOT take him! he has failed too many times…ditto for Sanju too…with his boneheaded shot selection!
— kg (@kg632) August 10, 2023
The first two T20Is against the West Indies had exposed India’s batting struggles, even affecting Suryakumar Yadav, the top-ranked T20 batter in the world. However, the third game witnessed a resurgent Suryakumar adapting brilliantly to the Caribbean conditions. His partnership with Tilak Varma, who remained unbeaten on 49, underlined the depth in India’s batting lineup.
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Despite a dismissal by West Indies’ Alzarri Joseph, Suryakumar’s performance had already propelled India towards victory. Supported by Tilak’s steadfast presence and a quick cameo from captain Hardik Pandya, India successfully chased down the target in just 17.5 overs.