Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul could not convert good starts into big innings when they were invited to bat first against Hong Kong in the Asia Cup 2022. KL Rahul was finding it difficult to hit big shots against the Hong Kong bowlers. After this, Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav played the responsibility very well.
After the match when a Pakistani journalist asked Suryakumar Yadav if he would open the batting with Rohit as he did in the West Indies tour. Do India have plans to send him up the order in the tournament? Hearing this question, Suryakumar Yadav could not stop laughing.
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Suryakumar Yadav said, “So you are saying that KL Bhai should be dropped? Look, I believe he is also making a comeback from injury. He needs some time. We have some time now. But as I said I am ready to bat at any number. I have told the coach, the captain and everyone, I will bat at any number, just play me please.”
Suryakumar continued his talk and said, “So things will go on like this. There are a lot of things that we are trying as well. There are a lot of things that we guys want to do. It is better that we try those things in the match rather than in the practice session. This will make our plan better.”
Virat Kohli was so happy with Suryakumar Yadav’s wonderful innings that he took off his cap and bowed to him. Mumbai Indians batsman Suryakumar Yadav termed his gesture as heart-touching.
Suryakumar said, “His (Virat Kohli) gestures were very touching for me. I’ve never had an experience like this before. I wondered why he was not going ahead of me. When I realized it, I asked him to accompany me. He is much more experienced than me.”
Suryakumar and Kohli shared an unbroken 98-run partnership for the third wicket, as India, batting first, posted a strong total of 192 for two. Suryakumar said, “I thoroughly enjoyed batting with him. We were talking on what kind of attitude to adopt in the next balls. He is such an experienced player.”
Suryakumar said, “I haven’t played too many T20 Internationals. That is why it is very important to have such an experienced player in the match at such a time. The situation was such that it was necessary for me to bat aggressively as soon as I got to the crease. The wicket was playing a bit slow initially and I spoke to Virat Kohli.”
Surya said, “Virat advised me to play my natural game. My strategy was also clear and hence I enjoyed batting.” India has become the second team to make it to the Super Four with its second consecutive win.