Indian Captain Suryakumar YadavThe decision to hand the ball to Rinku Singh In a high-pressure moment in the dramatic third and final T20I against Sri Lanka, a wave of reactions was unleashed in the cricketing world. However, Yadav’s shock decision turned out to be a game-changer for India.
The match was a closely contested affair and India faced intense pressure. Suryakumar, known for his innovative tactics, took a risk by turning to Rinku, a player who had previously only practised his nets delivery but had not bowled his hand in the match, in the 19th over of Sri Lanka’s chase-down encounter in Kandy.
Indian players and support staff speak out on Suryakumar Yadav’s bold decision in the third T20I against Sri Lanka
This strategic maneuver yielded incredible results for the Indian cricket teamas Rinku conceded just three runs and took two wickets in his six balls when Sri Lanka needed only nine runs from the last twelve balls. Later, Suryakumar himself defended the 6 runs in the 20th over while taking 2 wickets in the match.
After winning the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, India’s interim bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule revealed that it was Yadav’s decision to hand the ball to Rinku in the crucial situation. He said it was a great decision and praised the Indian captain’s ability to surprise the opponents and take impactful decisions.
Sairaj Bahutule said in a video released by the BCCI on X: “I think the way Surya operates is that you can never be short of surprises. I think it was a great decision again.”
Here you have what you are looking for! 😎
Listen to it from #TeamIndiaThe match winners with the ball during that dramatic ending to yesterday’s Super-over 🎥🔽#SLvIND | @surya_14kumar | @Sundarwashi5 | @rinkusingh235 image.twitter.com/LQs4c9pLeq
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 31, 2024
Meanwhile, the Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar Sundar echoed this sentiment and praised Yadav’s decision to bring Rinku into the fray. Sundar pointed out that Rinku’s bowling had consistently posed challenges during practice sessions, and her ability to perform in such a tough situation gives the other bowlers in the team a tough challenge while also adding to the team’s strength.
It was a great decision by Surya: Washington Sundar
Sundar said in the same video: “It was a great decision by Surya, first of all, to bring Rinku. Rinku definitely makes things very difficult for us when he hits the net. And now he has shown that in the games as well. Obviously, Surya has to react, especially in one of the most tense situations. And, you know, almost winning the game for the team was amazing.”
Moreover, Yadav himself reflected on his decision, saying that he has extensive experience of playing in such close matches and his familiarity with such tense situations and seeing how the captains he played under used bowlers led him to entrust Singh with the crucial over.
Suryakumar said: “I have played such close matches many times before. I have played under other captains. So I have seen how they win the match in the last few overs, till the last ball. And I had told Rinku, Riyan Parag and everyone to keep bowling in the nets. Because the wickets here are such that even if it is a little bit dry, you have to bowl. It is simple. It is a high risk, high reward system.”
I didn’t expect to get the ball in such a crucial situation: Rinku Singh
On the other hand, Rinku also expressed his surprise when he was asked to bowl. However, the Indian batsman had been preparing for such an opportunity but the timing of his being asked to bowl was unexpected. He revealed that there was no plan for him to bowl in the match.
Rinku Singh said in the same video shared by BCCI on X: “Surya Bhai had already told me to be ready for the ball. Yesterday, Surya Bhai told me that I have to bowl. I have to warm up a little bit before the match. When the match was on, I had no hope of getting the ball. And suddenly, he told me to turn my hand. So I turned my hand. What is the plan? You know, two wickets.”