India and West Indies are currently competing in a 3 match T20I series. On Wednesday, the first game of the series was played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Suryakumar Yadav was seen trying to encourage young Venkatesh Iyer in a video clip from the match that has gone viral on social media.
Ahead of the 18th over of Indian innings, Suryakumar on the stump mic was heard saying to his batting partner Venkatesh Iyer: “Tere ko game jeetana hai” (You have to win India the match). By blasting a six on the fifth ball of the 19th over, it was Venkatesh only who took India home.
Watch the video here:
https://twitter.com/SportsHustle3/status/1493999720049836038?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1493999720049836038%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fbehindcricket.com%2Fwatch-suryakumar-yadav-encourages-venkatesh-iyer-finish-the-match%2F
Suryakumar Yadav stated in the post-match media interaction that Venkatesh Iyer’s positive attitude helped them build a good partnership. The duo put together an unbeaten 48-run stand.
“The way he [Venkatesh] came to bat, his positivity was completely different, that passed onto me. He started his innings with a boundary, I felt it was the perfect platform for both of us to finish the game,” Suryakumar said.
Suryakumar Yadav ready to bowl a few overs for the team
Suryakumar expressed his delight at being able to bat till the end, mentioning that he had felt horrible in the past about not being able to finish matches from winning positions.
“I have been in these situations many times, and whenever I have got out leaving 20-25 runs behind, I have felt bad after going back to the hotel.”, Suryakumar stated.
Suryakumar Yadav also revealed that he is willing to bowl a few overs for the team if required.
“Whenever Rohit needs me, I am there… I am trying it. Whenever we turn up for practice sessions, we bowl at the nets. We don’t have a lot of bowlers in the end when our bowlers bat.”, Suryakumar said.
India go 1⃣-0⃣ up!
Suryakumar Yadav and Venkatesh Iyer bat through and chase down 158 with six wickets to spare 💪#INDvWI | 📝: https://t.co/3ipGZj7Ty1 pic.twitter.com/AYXMplaiQc
— ICC (@ICC) February 16, 2022
In the three-match series, India is up 1-0. On Friday, the second match will be played at the same venue- Eden Gardens.