Despite the loss in the first T20I on Tuesday, and India facing a must-win encounter on Friday in Nagpur, it was good to see Suryakumar Yadav in a jovial mood in the press conference on Thursday, smiling and tackling all the difficult questions thrown at him.
One such reply rendered the journalist who had asked the question speechless.
Suryakumar’s terrific reply when asked if he’s only there to hit spinners
Known for his elite spin gameplay, Suryakumar was asked whether he has been given a specific role by the Indian team management to bash the spinners, as he regularly does so at the IPL.
With a hearty chuckle, Yadav quipped back with a humorous reply, saying “Sir, do chakke toh fast bowler ke against bhi maare toh thoda credit banta hai, kya bolte ho? (“I have hit two sixes against fast bowlers also, so I should get a little credit for that, what say?).”
SKY scored 46 runs off 25 balls in the Mohali T20I with the help of 2 fours and 4 cleanly struck sixes. His first two sixes came against Cummins and Hazlewood, while the next two were slogged to Zampa.
Adding on, Suryakumar explained that he is flexible and can slide into any role, in any situation.
“I’m very flexible, no particular role. Actually, I plan for every situation. I am flexible to bat in anywhere, whichever number I’m asked to bat, I know I just have to do my role and I am happy to do it,” he added.
Suryakumar Yadav defends Harshal Patel and Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Despite India putting up a big total of 208, the hosts couldn’t defend it. Australia needed 55 runs in the last four overs, but Bhuvneshwar Kumar was smashed for 31 runs combined in the 15th and 17th overs while Harshal Patel was smoked for 22 runs in the 18th over.
Queried whether Harshal’s variations are becoming predictable, Suryakumar defended his teammate, saying that Harshal is only coming back from an injury.
“He is very deceptive. I don’t bat in net sessions much, but as much as I have played him and also Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar) bhai is also difficult to decipher. But Harshal’s slower balls and his different variations are really deceptive and he has just come from an injury, so this much benefit of the doubt should be allowed,” the 32-year-old batter said.
The second T20I is scheduled for Friday at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium, Nagpur.
