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Suryakumar Yadav's efforts with the bat in recent matches have India a ray of hope. He provided the much-needed impetus against Hong Kong on Wednesday during their Asia Cup fixture. The bowlers kept the top-order in check before the star, who came in at No. 4, smashed six maximums and as many boundaries, to power the Men in Blue to a total of 192 for five.
The middle-order batter's impressive show led former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir to opine that the batter is a better fit at No.3 than Virat Kohli. His reaction was definitely worth watching.
Skipper Rohit Sharma gave India a good start with his 13-ball 21 before KL Rahul and Kohli were contained by the Hong Kong attack. The duo managed a 56-run partnership in 49 balls. Following the dismissal of Rahul in the 13th over, India were 94 for two but Suryakumar's 26-ball 68 in the death overs gave his side the perfect total for Hong Kong to chase down.
Gambhir, who was impressed with Surya's batting, told Star Sports in the post-match talks that he feels the 30-year-old is a better batter at No.3 in India's T20I set-up than the current no. 3 Kohli, who managed a 44-ball 59 in the Hong Kong game.
“Isiliye I feel agar Surya No.3 pe batting karta he toh zyada behetar rahega as compared to Virat Kohli (I feel if Surya bats on no. 3 then it will be better as compared to Virat Kohli,” he said as Suryakumar was seen making his way towards the India great to take his place beside the opener.
The two, who shared the dressing room back during Gambhir's Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) days, smiled at each other before the veteran batter mentioned, “Maine toh bol diya he ki he should be batting at No.3. (I have said already that he should bat at no. 3.”
TV presenter Jatin Sapru replied saying, “Usne (Suryakumar) bola he should be very flexible. (He said he is very flexible).”
Gambhir immediately said, “Woh uska majburi he (That is because he has no choice)," as Suryakumar and Jatin shared a laugh.
With the win against Hong Kong, India qualified for the Super 4s, along with Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan. They will take on their arch-rivals on Sunday.
