Indian captain Rohit Sharma is well known for his sense of humor. After India won the three-match series against South Africa by 2-1, Sharma jokingly said that Suryakumar Yadav’s form is a bit of concern for the team. Yadav then followed suit and said the way Dinesh Karthik batted at number four in the third T20I against South Africa, his place is in danger.
As the Indian management wanted Dinesh Karthik to spend more time in the middle, they promoted him to the number four place in the batting order. Karthik scored a strokeful knock of 46 runs from just 21 balls but his knock ended when he tried to play a reverse shot.
On the other hand, Suryakumar Yadav had a rare off day as he was dismissed after scoring eight runs. However, Yadav was awarded the Player of the Series for scoring two fifties in the series. SKY scored 119 runs in three matches at an average of 59.50 and a blistering strike rate of 195.08.
Yadav said in the post-match presentation, “Not really, I didn’t check the stats. But I think that was the demand of the game. My friends send these things (stats and numbers) on WhatsApp, I don’t follow it. The thought process was the same, I just wanted to enjoy. I had to take a step back and build a partnership with him. Didn’t work today. DK needed some game time, and I think the way he batted, my number 4 is in trouble. I haven’t thought much about it, but I am looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, Rilee Rossouw could not even trouble the scorers in the first two matches. However, the left-hander played a majestic unbeaten knock of 100 runs off just 48 balls in the third T20I to help his team post a par score of 227 runs on the board. The southpaw was awarded the Player of the Match for his fine knock.
He said after the game, “It’s something that every cricketer goes through, lucky for me, tonight was my night. We had a discussion out there, and he (de Kock) said you be the guy scoring. They are a world-class side. I am glad that I could contribute for the winning side tonight. The chat is that we back each other, and we believe in our abilities. I am glad for myself and de Kock for scoring runs tonight.”
India and South Africa will take on each other in the first ODI on Thursday.
