Suryakumar Yadav spoke candidly with reporters following his match-winning 83 in the third T20I of a five-match series against the West Indies in Guyana. Suryakumar was eager to address tough questions after ending a rough stretch in white-ball cricket, from admitting he has an average ODI record to sharing team management influence on his role in the 50-over format.
The World No. 1 T20I batter was quick to correct a journalist on his T20I century count, demonstrating his familiarity with his personal records and milestones. When asked if he was thinking about his “third” T20I century, Suryakumar quickly interrupted to declare he was going for his “fourth” and that he already has three T20I hundreds to his name.
“I never consider milestones. Whether I am batting on 47 or 98, I bat according to the needs of the team. I’ll hit a six if necessary. I don’t give much thought to reaching milestones. If it happens, that’s great. However, meeting the team’s requirements comes first,” Suryakumar Yadav said, downplaying his regret at missing out on the three-figure milestone.
Suryakumar Yadav was batting on 83 off 44 balls as India successfully chased down 160. Suryakumar was removed in the 13th over, despite having ample time and runs to reach his century. He smashed an average ball from Alzarri Joseph straight into the clutches of the deep fine-leg fielder.
Suryakumar, who struck four sixes in ten boundaries in a comeback knock, fell short of equaling Rohit Sharma’s world record for most T20I century. Suryakumar, on the other hand, was named Player of the Match for his performance, his 12th in T20Is.
Along with Suryakumar, the young Tilak Varma was instrumental in India’s win. He struck an undefeated 49 runs off 37 balls, perfectly complementing Suryakumar. After losing two early wickets in the run chase, their 87-run partnership gave the solidity India required.
Kuldeep Yadav was India’s best performer in the bowling department. He captured three key wickets while allowing only 28 runs.
