In a thrilling finish to the third T20I against Sri Lanka, India’s captain, Suryakumar Yadav, made surprising decisions in the final overs.
With the series already won, Suryakumar handed the ball to Rinku Singh for the 19th over and later bowled the final over himself. These choices led to India's win, and to a dramatic super over finish.
BET NOW: Exclusive sign-up offers and bonuses when you bet on sporting action
Rinku Singh, who had not bowled in international cricket before, was given the 19th over. Despite the availability of experienced bowlers like Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube, Suryakumar chose Rinku.
The gamble paid off as Rinku took two wickets for just three runs, which put India in a strong position. Suryakumar then further gave himself the final over where he restricted Sri Lanka for 5 runs that led to a tie, while taking 2 wickets.
Why did Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh bowl at the death in the match?
Explaining his decision, Suryakumar said, “The decision for the 20th over was easy, the difficult part was for the 19th over. Siraj and a few others had their overs left. But I felt Rinku was better suited for that wicket because I have seen him bowling and I made him practice a lot at the nets. I felt it was right and that is why I took that call.”
When asked why he did not bowl the 19th over himself, Suryakumar explained the importance of match-ups.
“I knew the 19th over has always been difficult for Indian cricket. That is why I gave the responsibility to Rinku. For a right-hander bowling to a left-hander, it is always difficult for the batter. It was great that he made the best use of his skill and made my work easy because now I have one more bowling option going forward,” Suryakumar Yadav said.
India will now be playing a 3 match ODI series against Sri Lanka. The series will commence on August 3 with the first match in Colombo.