Suryakumar Yadav Admits India’s Batting Failed in 51-Run Loss to South Africa

Suryakumar Yadav stated that he and Shubman Gill should have given India a stronger start instead of relying on Abhishek Sharma, as their early failures contributed to the team’s 51-run loss.

India captain Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged that he and vice-captain Shubman Gill failed to provide a start in the second T20I against South Africa. That contributed to India’s 51-run defeat in Mullanpur. India slipped early in a chase of 214, losing both Gill for 0 and Suryakumar for 5 inside the powerplay despite Abhishek Sharma’s quick 17 off eight balls. This left India at 162 all out.

Suryakumar accepted that the top order must share responsibility rather than depending on Abhishek’s form in each game.

“I think myself, Shubman, we could have given a good start because we cannot rely on Abhishek all the time. The way he has been batting, he might have an off day. Me, Shubman and a few other batters should have taken it,” Suryakumar said while speaking at the post-match presentation.

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“I think it would have been a smart chase. But then it is okay, Shubman got out on the first ball. But I should have taken that responsibility, batted a little deeper. But as I said, we learn, we try and do better in the next game to come,” he added.

Suryakumar Explains Rationale Behind Axar Patel’s No. 3 Move

India’s attempt to quicken the chase by promoting Axar Patel to No. 3 also disappointed, as his 21 off 21 balls failed to do much. Suryakumar Yadav later indicated that the move stemmed from Axar’s recent form.

“We just thought in the last game that we had seen Axar bat really well in the longer format. So we wanted him to bat the same way today as well. But unfortunately, (it didn’t work) he did bat well. But we will see what is up for us going on in the next game,” he said.

In the match, India lost key wickets early and never recovered, eventually folding for 162. With the series level at 1-1, they now turn their attention to the third match in Dharamsala on December 14.