Suryakumar, who struggled for form in the recently concluded ODI World Cup, enjoyed being back in the territory he loves the most and played a match-winning knock of 80 to help India record their highest successful chase of 209 in T20Is.He smashed nine fours and four sixes during his 42-ball stay at the crease and also added a crucial 112-run stand with Ishan Kishan (58) for the third wicket.
SKY, as he is fondly known as, praised the team’s resilience and their ability to perform under pressure. He expressed that leading the Indian team is a big moment for him.
“Very happy with the way the boys played. Was very happy with their energy, we were put under pressure but the way everyone showed up was amazing. It’s a proud moment, very proud moment, everytime you play, you think about representing India but coming out here and captaining India is a big moment,” Surya said in the post-match presentation.
Surya opted to field first considering the dew factor in mind that made the batting more favourable during the chase.
“Thought there will be a little bit of dew but there wasn’t. It isn’t a big ground and I knew batting will get easy. Thought they might get 230-235 but the bowlers did really well. Just enjoy and express yourself. We’ve been in such situations many times in franchise cricket, just told Ishan to enjoy himself,” he added.
Surya emphasised that he doesn’t feel any burden of the captaincy as he tries to enjoy his batting as much as possible.
“We knew what was going to happen. I left the luggage of captaincy in the dressing room. I try to enjoy my batting. The atmosphere was amazing, thanks to the crowd. Was great to see how the boys kept their nerves. Was great to see Rinku, the situation was tailor-made for him. He was calm and collected, calmed me down a little bit. Incredible achievement from the bowlers to restrict them to this total after the 16th over,” he further said.
