Former India opener Gautam Gambhir on Wednesday said he would want to see Suryakumar Yadav continue batting at No. 3 for India in T20Is even when Virat Kohli returns to the squad. Gambhir’s comments came after Suryakumar hit a match-winning 62 in just 40 balls against New Zealand in the T20I series opener in Jaipur.
Suryakumar hit 3 sixes and 6 boundaries as he never allowed the New Zealand bowlers to settle down in the middle-overs. He stitched a 59-run stand with captain Rohit to put India in a position of strength.
At the T20 World Cup, it was Virat Kohli who was batting at No. 3 barring their final Super 12 match against Scotland, where the former captain gave up his spot for Suryakumar, saying the Mumbai Indians star did not get a lot of opportunities to bat throughout the showpiece event.
Speaking to Star Sports after India’s 5-wicket win in Jaipur, Gambhir said Suryakumar batting at No. 3 in T20Is will help India carry forward the momentum built by thor openers while also adding experience to the middle-order when Kohli bats at No. 4.
“He (Suryakumar) has got many options. He plays spin very well. He has got all the shots, he is a 360 player as well. That is what makes him very difficult to bowl at. When Virat Kohli comes back, I still want to see Suryakumar bat at No. 3 and Virat at No. 4,” Gambhir said.
“That gives India an option to continue with the momentum because Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul are very explosive at the top. And Surya at No. 3 could be your best option because he can continue the momentum and Virat can be an anchor at No.4 probably like how Steve Smith has been for Australia. If you lose a couple of early wickets, Virat can manage that middle order,” he added.
Gambhir pointed out that India’s middle-order is a bit inexperienced if Rishabh Pant and Venkatesh Iyer follow Suryakumar and Kohli’s experience will come in handy.
“So once, Virat gets in, I still want to see Surya batting at No. 3 because he will win you many more games while batting at No. 3. If you bat Virat at No. 3, then there is hardly any experience in that middle order with Surya, Rishabh following.
“So Virat will probably have to play that most important role, play that anchor role and bring the middle-order together,” Gambhir added.
Meanwhile, Gambhir said he was disappointed that Suryakumar was not able to stay till the end and finish off the chase for India. Notably, after the MI star got out for 62 in the 17th over, India stuttered, allowing New Zealand to get back into the contest.
Needing 10 runs from the final over, Rishabh Pant held his nerves and hit the winning runs for India in the T20I series opener.
“Very disappointing. Though I really admire him for the way he bats, he really needs to finish off as well. It’s not important how you start, it’s important how you finish. It doesn’t matter if you get a 60 or a 70, it’s important to finish games. That’s what maturity is all about,” Gambhir added.
