Suryakumar Yadav’s terrific knock last night helped team India post an above-par total at the Dubai International Stadium against Hong Kong which led to the match going India’s way in the end. The right-hander was named the Player of the Match for his mesmerizing innings. Later, in the press conference, Suryakumar Yadav was asked a tricky question regarding him replacing KL Rahul as an opener.
Suryakumar Yadav scored a 26-ball 68 with a strike rate of 261.54. His incredible innings came at a point when Team India was struggling to accelerate with the run rate. As soon as the 31-year-old came into the crease, runs came flowing for India. Suryakumar went on to hit the ball all around the ground with his 360° shots and helped India post a 192-run total on the board. His incredible innings included 6 fours and as many sixes by the end of the 20 overs.
“So you’re saying we shouldn’t play KL Rahul?”- Suryakumar, about opening with Rohit Sharma
Surya came in at 4 to bat for team India in Wednesday’s encounter. Before he came in, the other batters were finding it difficult to score runs. Though Kohli was scoring with a decent strike rate, KL Rahul wasn’t even playing a run-a-ball inning. The Indian vice-captain couldn’t open his account against Pakistan as he was bowled for a duck and against Hong Kong, he scored a 39-ball 36. Looking at KL’s performance so far, a reporter asked a cheeky question to Suryakumar during the press conference.
“Rohit Sharma said that you guys would be experimenting in this entire Asia Cup. Kya us experiment ka hissa ye bhi hoga that you would be opening with Rohit Sharma at some point in time? (Will you open the batting with Rohit Sharma at some point of time in the Asia Cup?),” the Journalist asked.
To this, Suryakumar couldn’t stop laughing and said, “Toh aap bol rahe ho ki KL bhai ko nahi khilana chahiye?” (So, you are saying that we shouldn’t play KL Rahul?).
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Suryakumar went on to point out that KL Rahul is coming out of an injury and that he should be given some time to regain his touch. He further said that he has already conveyed to the captain and coach that he is ready to bat at any position.
Suryakumar Yadav replies to a question on KL Rahul's inclusion in the team. pic.twitter.com/1pVdUvuh0e
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 1, 2022
Team India, after defeating Hong Kong, has qualified for the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup. India’s next encounter will be on the 4th of September against the winner of the Pakistan vs Hong Kong game.