Indian batsman Suryakumar Yadav has frequently displayed his humorous side on social media and during interviews. The post-match press conference following India‘s T20 World Cup Super 8 match against Afghanistan showcased another example of the top-ranked T20I batter’s sense of wit.
Before posing his question, a reporter mistakenly addressed Suryakumar as ‘Siraj’, referencing Indian pacer Mohammed Siraj, and stumbled momentarily, recognizing his error. Suryakumar took it in good humor and responded:
“Siraj to nahi hai yaar. Siraj bhai khana kha rahe hai (laughs) (Siraj isn’t here, mate. Siraj is having his food)”
“The most important thing was the intent needed to be good” – Suryakumar Yadav on leading in the middle overs
After Virat Kohli scored 24 runs and left the field, India found themselves in a tough spot with Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube as the new batsmen at the crease.
Nevertheless, Suryakumar took charge swiftly by aggressively facing Afghanistan spinner Rashid Khan, changing the momentum in India’s favour. This allowed both him and the team to reach a total of 181/8 in their allotted 20 overs.
Here’s what Suryakumar shared with the host broadcaster after his innings:
“I started chewing my gum even harder when he (Kohli) got out (laughs). But I knew I have played this phase before and how to bat in this phase and the left-hander coming in it became a little easier. The most important thing was the intent needed to be good at that time and that’s where I backed myself.”
India’s next Super 8 match will be against Bangladesh on Saturday, June 22, at North Sound, Antigua.
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