India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is going through a lean patch of his career after getting captaincy, and his rough batting form continued in the third T20I against South Africa as the stylish batter got out after scoring 12 runs in 11 balls.
Suryakumar Yadav's runs since 2024
Suryakumar Yadav has been going through a lean patch since 2024, as the batter managed to score only 239 runs in 21 innings at an average of 13.35 and a strike rate of 120.10 in T20Is. He hasn't scored a fifty, and only two of his innings have lasted beyond 20 balls in this period. While asked about his lean patch, the T20I captain responded that he is 'not out of form, definitely out of runs.
"Sport teaches you a lot of things. How you come back is more important. There was a lot of learning after last game in the meeting and then did what we did in Cuttack today. I've been batting beautifully in the nets. When the runs have to come, they'll come. Not out of form, definitely out of runs" said Suryakumar Yadav in post match presentation.
Despite Suryakumar Yadav's poor show, Abhishek Sharma's quickfire 35 off 18 laced with three fours and three maximums, followed by a steady 25 off 34 run knock, helped India to win the third T20I by seven wickets.
Pacers stole the show in Dharamsala
Earlier, after being asked to bat, Indian pacers produced a mesmerising spell of swing bowling to bundle out South Africa for a below-par 117.
Leading India’s show with early wickets were Arshdeep Singh (2/13), Harshit Rana (2/34) and Hardik Pandya (1/23) after the hosts chose to bowl. Skipper Markram offered a tiny spark for South Africa with a spirited 46-ball 61.
India takes 2-1 lead
With this dominating seven-wicket win against South Africa, India takes a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. The fourth T20I will take place on December 17 at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow.