Amid concerns over Virat Kohli's recent run of low scores, legendary Indian cricketer Harbhajan Singh turned the spotlight to one of the standout performers for the Men In Blue at the T20 World Cup. Inclement weather led to the abandonment of India's final Group A match against Canada, with neither team able to take the field due to a wet outfield, resulting in both teams sharing points. Consequently, Rohit Sharma's squad progressed to the Super 8 stage.
Harbhajan Singh all praise for Suryakumar Yadav
While India clinched the top spot in Group A, the co-hosts United States surprisingly outperformed Babar Azam's Pakistan, securing their place in the crucial stages of the T20 World Cup. Reflecting on India's performance at the tournament, the revered spin bowler Harbhajan lavished praise on the world's top-ranked T20I batsman, Suryakumar Yadav. Suryakumar, returning to his peak form, played a pivotal role in a key match against the USA, ensuring India's leadership in the group standings with a remarkable performance.
"It's extremely important. We always talk about match-winners. I feel Suryakumar Yadav is the biggest match-winner in this team because the day he plays, he not only wins the match but takes the match far away from the opposition. The opposition can't even think that they can win the game," Harbhajan told Star Sports.
Suryakumar's unbeaten fifty (50 off 49 balls) helped India chase down a record total and secure a comfortable seven-wicket win over USA in New York.
"He is a special player. He is a different-level player. It's good that runs came from his bat that day because if those runs hadn't come, it could have been a cause for worry. However, runs coming from his bat is an auspicious sign for India," Harbhajan added.
Seven teams have punched their tickets to the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup. India (Group A), Australia (Group B), England (Group B), Afghanistan (Group C), West Indies (Group C), and South Africa (Group D) are all confirmed, with USA (Group A) joining them. Notably, India, Australia, Afghanistan, South Africa, and the West Indies remain undefeated in the tournament so far. India will kick off their Super 8 campaign against Afghanistan in Barbados on Thursday.
"It's a great sign for the dressing room as well because when he bats, the dressing room is absolutely calm. They know that until he is there, he will win the match and come out," he concluded.
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