“There were 2-3 overs left....”:Suryakumar shuffles batting order, gives Arshdeep a chance in India’s Asia Cup triumph
India captain Suryakumar Yadav demoted himself to No. 11 as Sanju Samson starred in the 188/8 Asia Cup win over Oman, while Arshdeep Singh hit his first T20I boundary and claimed his 100th wicket, showcasing India’s depth and fearless team culture.
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In India’s final Group A match against Oman at the Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi, on September 19, captain Suryakumar Yadav offered a glimpse into the team’s camaraderie with a humorous dugout moment. Sharing it in the post-match press conference, he said, “There were 2-3 overs left, and Arshdeep Singh told me he wanted to bat. I said no problem,” eliciting laughter as he recounted the exchange.
Bold Experiments and Milestones: India Tests Depth as Suryakumar Leads with Flair
India, already assured of a Super Four spot, posted 188/8. Sanju Samson anchored the innings with a steady 56 off 45 balls, supported by Abhishek Sharma, Axar Patel, and Tilak Varma. In an unconventional move, Suryakumar demoted himself to number 11 to give others an opportunity to bat. Arshdeep Singh, promoted to number 9, faced a few deliveries and hit his first T20I boundary before being run out. Reflecting on his decision, Suryakumar said, “I bat or I don’t bat, it doesn’t matter as long as we win.”
The batting shuffle drew mixed reactions. Supporters called it a bold experiment to test the lower order on a tricky pitch, while critics saw it as a break from cricketing norms. Suryakumar defended the approach, emphasizing team flexibility: “We wanted everyone to get a hit in the middle,” particularly ahead of high-stakes Super Four matches, including a rematch with Pakistan.
Arshdeep Singh, a 26-year-old left-arm pacer from Mohali, also marked a milestone in the game, claiming his 100th T20I wicket and becoming the fastest Indian pacer to reach the mark in 64 matches. While his bowling credentials are well established, his batting remains largely untested internationally. His request to bat highlighted his all-round ambitions and the team’s light-hearted, fearless culture under Suryakumar’s leadership.
Speaking about the bowling performance of Harshit Rana and Arshdeep, Suryakumar acknowledged their subdued outing, explaining, “It’s a little difficult when you’re sitting and suddenly you come out and play. It’s so humid here.” He praised Oman for their fighting spirit, adding, “I knew with their coach, Sulu sir (Sulakshan Kulkarni), there would be khadoosness (stubbornness). It was amazing, really enjoyed watching them bat.”
Suryakumar Yadav’s Leadership Shines as India Balances Experimentation and Team Spirit
On the batting front, Suryakumar’s selflessness allowed other players to get valuable middle-order time. Sanju Samson, named player of the match, was pleased with the opportunity to spend more time at the crease, saying, “Any contribution with the bat for your country, you have to take the positives.”
Oman skipper Jatinder Singh also expressed pride in his team’s performance, emphasizing that despite limited experience, the players executed their plans well and showed resilience.
As India prepares for the Super Fours and the Champions Trophy, Suryakumar’s blend of strategy, humor, and team-first leadership continues to define a side that is as cohesive off the field as it is competitive on it.
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