Former Indian batter Mohammad Kaif has highlighted that Suryakumar Yadav doesn’t go with fixed plans on the field and takes instant decisions as a leader. Kaif noted that SKY gives Axar Patel the ball when a right-hander is on the crease and wants to get a bowler who can put pressure on the opposition.
India registered a comprehensive 48-run win against Australia at the Gold Coast on Thursday to take a 2-1 lead in the series. The visitors posted a par score of 167 runs on the board, whereas the hosts were skittled out for 119 as India came up with an impressive bowling show.
“I see Suryakumar as captain does not want to move ahead with any fixed plan. His plan is that if a right-hander is on strike, he brings Axar Patel; if not, he chooses which bowler can put pressure on the situation. They have everyone on loop. On a turning track, Arshdeep Singh might bowl two overs, spinners might bowl more. Surya said in an interview that he uses bowlers based on the situation and the pitch conditions to get the job done,” Kaif said on his YouTube channel.
The Natwest Trophy final hero observed that India adopted a similar strategy while batting, as they promoted Shivam Dube to number three after the openers added 49 runs in the Powerplay overs.
“The batting plan is the same. Why Dube at number three? Because no wicket fell in the first six overs. They had 49 runs without losing a wicket. In the seventh over, Abhishek Sharma got out. When there were four overs left for Zampa and Maxwell might bowl, the spinners started bowling more overs. It was a ‘why not’ moment to send Dube in for game control. So, they sent Dube because he hits big shots and can handle spinners well. He was given freedom to play his shots,” Kaif added.
The former UP batter showered praise on Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy for getting the best out of his players in the fourth game.
“Surya faced a big test as captain, which he passed. He knew that if they lost this match, they would not win the series. I saw him talking a lot. Shivam Dube was scolded severely on the ground when he was hit for a six off a short ball, he was told to bowl with focus. He looked desperate, and a captain must show that desperation because Dube was not bowling continuously; they are building him as an all-rounder. Very good captaincy and proper use of Dube in today’s match,” he said.
Kaif praised SKY for bringing Axar Patel and Shivam Dube into the attack at the right time.
“Where Axar Patel and Shivam Dube took four wickets together in the beginning, two wickets each, the match turned there. That’s why I praise Suryakumar for his bowling changes, bringing Axar Patel at the right time and using Dube properly.”
The fifth and final T20I of the series between Australia and India will be played at the Gabba, Brisbane, on Saturday.
