India skipper Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged that his team was outplayed in all departments during their 51-run loss to South Africa in the second T20I, stressing that the defeat to South Africa forms an important part of their learning curve in the lead-up to the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup in February.
At the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, New Chandigarh, India endured an ordinary outing with both ball and bat. The bowlers leaked 213/4, spraying 15 wides, while the batting unit failed to mount a serious chase apart from Tilak Varma’s fighting 62, eventually folding for 162.
Reflecting on the performance, Suryakumar said during the post-match presentation, “I mean, we bowled first, and there was not enough we could do. We could have just come back nicely because we bowled first, and then later on, they realised how the lengths are important on this wicket. But it’s a learning process. Just learn and move forward.”
He admitted that the dew affected proceedings but emphasised that India were unable to adapt when their initial plans didn’t work.
“A little bit of dew as well, and also if it wasn’t working, we should have had a second plan, but we didn’t go to that. But it’s okay. As I said, it’s a learning process. We learned how they bowled in the second innings. We learned from that, and then we try to execute in the next game.”
Suryakumar also conceded that the batting group, including himself, failed to set a strong platform. “I think myself, Shubman, we could have given a good start because we can’t rely on Abhishek all the time. The way he’s been batting, he might have an off day. Shubman and I, Shubman and a few other batters should have taken it.”
He added that he should have shouldered greater responsibility in the chase. “I think it would have been a smart chase. But then it’s okay, Shubman got out on the first ball. But I should have taken that responsibility, batted a little deeper. But, as I said, we learn, we try and do better in the next game to come.”
Addressing the decision to send Axar Patel at No. 3, he said it was a tactical move based on the all-rounder’s recent form. “We just thought in the last game, we had seen Axar bat really well in the longer format, and we wanted him to bat back the same way today as well. But unfortunately, (it didn’t work) he did bat well. But we will see what’s up for us going on in the next game.”