The flamboyant Indian batsman, Suryakumar Yadav realized his dream on Thursday in Ahmedabad. While he made his much-awaited international debut in the 2nd T20I, Suryakumar had to miss the third game but he was back to his best, playing a match-winning knock of 31-ball 57 in the 4th T20I that helped India level the series against England.
Speaking at the post-match presentation ceremony, Suryakumar Yadav said he is elated that he has managed to win a game for India as it has always been a dream for him. He said, “Really happy with the way things went. I have always dreamt of playing for India and winning games for the team.”
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There was no sign of nerves for Suryakumar despite playing for the first time on Thursday in the must-win match for India. The Mumbai Indians star came in at No. 3 as Virat Kohli continued to bat at No. 4. Suryakumar had replaced Ishan Kishan who missed out due to an injury.
Suiryakumar looked set for a huge knock but a controversial ‘soft signal’ forced him to go back to the pavilions as Dawid Malan claimed a low catch that was adjudged out by the third umpire despite inconclusive evidence. Crediting Virat Kohli and the team management’s pep talk, Suryakumar said he was told by the seniors to treat the international fixture just like any other competitive game he has played over the years.
Suryakumar described, “I’m just trying to be myself inside, talk to myself, keep things simple and it becomes easy inside. The team management and Virat told me to go and express myself, play like you’re at the IPL, and that just the color of the clothing was different.”
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Yadav and Shreyas Iyer’s quickfire knocks and a fine all-around effort from the bowling unit guided the hosts in a series leveling win. It was also the first time in the 5-match series a team had defended a total after being sent into bat by the opposition. Hardik Pandya and Shardul Thakur managed to scalp 5 wickets between them while leg-spinner Rahul Chahar picked up 2 wickets to restrict England to 177 for 8
