Ravichandran Ashwin has voiced his support for Suryakumar Yadav and his poor form in T20Is. After the fourth T20I between India and Pakistan, he believes that Suryakumar Yadav's innings might not be that impressive, even though his quick burst shows impact on the innings.
Suryakumar Yadav, being considered one of the explosive batters in the T20 format, has managed to score only two T20 centuries since the T20 World Cup 2024. While he has struggled, he has also displayed signs of rhythm in the fourth T20I against Australia.
Ravichandran Ashwin praises Suryakumar Yadav’s impactful quick-fire innings
Suryakumar struck two sixes, which delivered huge momentum during the middle overs. Although he got off on 10 balls, with 20 runs, he was bowled by Xavier Bartlett. Ashwin praised his intent and how his quick runs contributed to the situation of the game during the first innings.
“Ten balls for 20 from Suryakumar Yadav was extremely valuable. I always think in T20 cricket, 10 balls for 20 at a 200 strike rate is more valuable. Even today, Abhishek and Shubman had a decent partnership at the top, so Surya came in and gave that amazing impetus and momentum. I would always think 10 balls for 20 is far more valuable than a strike rate of less than 125, 120, or 130 in a T20 game, unless, of course, you are chasing a total,” Ashwin said on his channel.
“If you are chasing and players are going all out, one side has to play in double gear. But today, everyone knew that 160 was a good score. The way Shubman paced the innings was the way he had to play, and he did that. So credit where it’s due, but I am happy with Surya’s 10-ball-20. What he could do, he did,” Ashwin added.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has adopted a high-octane approach with the bat and has repeatedly said that he is fine with players getting out while trying to play attacking shots, as long as one of them carries on to make a big score.
On Thursday, Shubman Gill anchored the Indian innings with a 46-run knock on a tricky surface at the Carrara Oval. India set a target of 167 runs for Australia and bowled out the hosts for just 119 in reply.
The teams will now travel to Brisbane for the fifth and final T20I of the series. India currently leads 2–1 and will look to knock at the ‘Fortress Gabba’.
