IND vs ENG: In the first T20I of the three-match series against hosts England, in Southampton, India came out all guns blazing with the bat, with the skipper Rohit Sharma showing the way from the front, smashing 24 runs off 14 balls to set the tone of the innings.
Hooda And SKY Formed An Amazing Partnership In 1st IND vs ENG T20I
Although India lost Rohit and his opening partner, Ishan Kishan, who had an off day with only 8 runs in 10 balls, the middle-order continued the momentum and in fact, took it up a level. Especially two players – Deepak Hooda and Suryakumar Yadav – both of those who perhaps are effectively fighting for one spot in India’s best T20I eleven and one of whom is likely to make way for Virat Kohli in the second T20I.
One of Hooda or SKY could be dropped when Kohli returns
However, both made strong and remarkable cases for their inclusion in India’s eleven. Hooda, fresh from a maiden T20I ton vs Ireland, scored 34 runs off 17 balls (SR 194) while Suryakumar, who is already believed to be in India’s best eleven, scored 39 runs off 19 balls (SR 205) – they clattered 7 fours and 4 sixes combined.
They shared an entertaining partnership of 43 runs off 23 balls and threatened for a much bigger score than the eventual 198 India finished on.
Both had terrific IPL seasons too: Hooda, moving at different positions in the Lucknow Super Giants middle-order, scored 451 runs, while SKY, in a poor season for Mumbai Indians, still came out with flying colours, scoring 303 runs in only 8 matches.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan acknowledged their significant contribution today. Pathan stated that even though both the right-handers didn’t get to the landmark of a half-century, they played vital role in the Indian innings.
“Hooda and Surya’s inning won’t have “half century” next to it but surely no lesser values,” Pathan tweeted.
Hooda and Surya’s inning won’t have “half century” next to it but surely no lesser values. #INDvsENG
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) July 7, 2022
Hardik Pandya further capitalized on this temp and registered his maiden T20I half-century, scoring 51 runs off 33 balls, before the England bowlers managed to pull things back in the last couple of overs.
