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A casual conversation captured on camera during India‘s practice session in Sri Lanka has sparked intrigue and speculation about the team’s strategy for the upcoming T20I series. New Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav, in a light-hearted exchange with left-arm spinner Axar Patel, hinted at a pivotal role for the latter in the powerplay overs.
Suryakumar Yadav’s leaked strategy
The video clip, shared by Sony Sports Network, shows Yadav telling Axar, “Take it easy. You will be seen bowling in the third or fourth over.”
While this might seem like a casual remark, it carries significant weight, given the context. The powerplay overs are crucial in T20 cricket, and introducing a spin bowler so early can disrupt the opposition’s rhythm and extract valuable wickets.
Here’s the video:
Now watching: #TeamIndia's new T20I captain 🇮🇳💙
Go well, Surya Dada 👏#SonySportsNetwork #SLvIND | @surya_14kumar pic.twitter.com/aXSic8Z4PS
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) July 23, 2024
This tactical approach aligns with the recent trend of teams employing spin in the powerplay to capitalize on the dew factor and exploit batting vulnerabilities. Under Rohit Sharma, India had successfully implemented this strategy, and Surya’s statement suggests a continuation of the same. Axar, with his ability to grip the ball and extract turn, has proven to be a potent weapon in the middle overs, and using him in the powerplay could add another dimension to India’s bowling attack.
The selection of the other spinner for the playing XI becomes a point of interest. Washington Sundar, who excelled in the recent Zimbabwe series, is a strong contender. However, the newly named skipper’s comments suggest that Axar Patel is likely to get the nod for the first T20I.
Axar Patel praises Suryakumar’s captaincy
In a recent interview with ESPNcricinfo, Axar lauded Suryakumar’s leadership qualities, describing him as a jolly person who always keeps the mood of the dressing room light.
“I have spent a lot of time with Suryakumar. Surya bhai is a happy-go-lucky guy. He keeps the atmosphere lively, loves doing mimicry and such fun stuff. I know he will keep the atmosphere cool,” Axar said.
Speaking about Surya’s captaincy, Axar also mentioned his experience under the Pune-born cricketer and revealed him as a bowler’s captain.
“I recently played a five-game T20I series when he was the captain. I know he is a bowler’s captain. He gives the bowlers the fields they ask for. And it was like that with me, too. I don’t think there will be a lot of change. We will get to know now playing under his captaincy about his mindset. You can’t judge someone’s captaincy by one tour. When we play more, we will get to know more of his captaincy style,” the all-rounder added.
Also READ: Sanath Jayasuriya explains how Sri Lanka can capitalize against India in the T20I series after Rohit Sharma-Virat Kohli’s retirement
India vs Sri Lanka: A battle of batting titans
The three-match T20I series between India and Sri Lanka promises to be thrilling. Both teams boast formidable batting lineups, capable of chasing down any total or posting mammoth scores. India, led by the flamboyant Suryakumar, will be eager to start their campaign strongly under new leadership.
Sri Lanka, on the other hand, will be buoyed by home conditions and look to capitalize on its strengths. With a blend of youth and experience, the hosts will aim to upset the Indian juggernaut. The series is expected to be high-scoring, with the team that can effectively restrict the opposition’s batting and chase down targets efficiently likely to emerge victorious.
