Indian spinner Piyush Chawla believes Suryakumar Yadav has confirmed his place in India’s T20 World Cup squad and he just walks into the playing XI after his consistent performances in the shortest format of the game. SKY scored a majestic knock of 117 runs off just 55 balls in the third T20I against England at Trent Bridge, Nottingham on Sunday.
The right-hander batted at the top of his game and played one of the best T20I knocks for India but his effort went in vain as the visitors lost by 17 runs. The 31-year-old was the lone warrior for the team and single-handedly took the match deep with the help of his pyrotechnics.
SKY has been coming up with consistent performances in the shortest format of the game and he definitely adds a lot of value to the team as he can play all around the ground. The right-hander is a complete 360-degree player and he will look to continue the same form in the upcoming matches.
Suryakumar has scored 537 runs in 19 T20I matches at an impressive average of 38.36 and a whirlwind strike rate of 177.23.
Piyush Chawla said while talking to ESPN Cricinfo, “100 percent (he will be part of the T20 World Cup squad). We all know what he can do in the middle-order. He can also open the innings for you. He can play the finisher’s role as well. Definitely, he just walks into the playing XI.”
On the other hand, one of the biggest positives for India was the form of Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The swing bowler took four wickets in two matches at an average of 6.25 and an economy rate of 4.16. Kumar was awarded the Player of the Series.
“We can see the old Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) back. The way he bowled, the way he was swinging the ball, was one of the biggest positives from India’s point of view heading towards the World Cup.”
Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant opened the innings in the last two matches against England but Chawla reckons KL Rahul will take back his opening slot with Rohit Sharma once he returns back to the team.
“India are trying Pant at the top of the order. But for me, if KL Rahul is fit, he walks into the top position straightaway with Rohit Sharma.”
India and England will face each other in the three-match ODI series.