In the first T20I match against South Africa, Team India emerged victorious by 101 runs at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack.
Batting first, the hosts posted a total of 175 runs for the loss of six wickets in 20 overs.
Speaking about the team`s batting performance, skipper Suryakumar Yadav said that reaching the total of 175 runs was unbelievable.
“I told at the toss that we were 50-50, but very happy to bat first. I mean, absolutely. At 48 for 3, and then from there getting to 175… the way Hardik batted, Axar batted, Tilak batted, and in the end, Jitesh coming in, chipping in and doing his role, I think it was very important. At first, we thought we`d get to 160, but then 175 was unbelievable,” he said.
The skipper then explained how the in-form batsmen step in for those who are going through a purple patch in the series.
“See, with 7-8 batters, there will be days when 2-3 batters would not have their day, but then the other 4 batters will cover it up, and they did cover it up today. Maybe in the next game you will see someone else covering it up. That is how T20 cricket goes, and that`s how we want everyone to play. We want everyone to be fearless and enjoy their batting, said the 35-year-old cricketer.
Further speaking, the Mumbai-born cricketer feels that Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh were the perfect bowlers to start off with against the Proteas. He also expressed happiness with Hardik Pandya`s bowling performance.
“I think Arshdeep and Bumrah were the perfect bowlers to bowl at the start. The way they were bowling when they won the toss and bowled first, the way the new ball was being bowled by them, I think Arshdeep and Bumrah were the better option. But then Hardik coming in later on, coming back from injury, it was important to take care of him as well. And the way he bowled, I am very happy with it,” said Suryakumar.
The second T20I match between Team India and South Africa is scheduled to be played on December 11 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh PCA Stadium in Punjab.
(With ANI Inputs)