Suryakumar Yadav-led team India defeated South Africa in the fourth T20I by 135 runs to register a 3-1 series win in the four-match T20I series. Mumbai Indians batting all-rounder Tilak Varma, who scored two consecutive centuries, was awarded the Fielder of the Series award, whereas Ravi Bishnoi clinched the Fielder of the Match award for the fourth T20I.
Varma scored 296 runs in four-match T20Is including two consecutive unbeaten centuries. He became the second batter after Sanju Samson to smash two consecutive centuries in T20Is for India. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took their Instagram to share a video where Suryakumar Yadav was giving the Fielder of the Series award to his IPL teammate Tilak. Here is the clip.
This was India's first T20I assignment against Protreas after India's T20 World Cup 2024 win. Captain Suryakumar Yadav took a moment to acknowledge the contributions of benched players Jitesh Sharma, Vyshak Vijay Kumar, and Yash Dayal, highlighting their unwavering support throughout the series.
Despite India's largely consistent approach to team selection, with only minor adjustments made, a few players missed the chance to feature in the playing XI.
Wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma and pacers Vyshak Vijay Kumar and Yash Dayal patiently waited for their turn, but the opportunity didn’t arise as India dominated South Africa to clinch a 3-1 series victory.
After the final game, Suryakumar ensured their efforts behind the scenes were appreciated, recognizing the value they brought to the team despite not getting on the field.
"Thank you, Jitesh, Vyshak and Yash, for all the support. Obviously, each member of the support staff. We got all the support from them," Suryakumar said in a video posted by BCCI.
India's next T20I series is scheduled for January next year against England. The Men in Blue will welcome the Three Lions for a three-match series, starting on January 22 at the renowned Eden Gardens.
