The Indian T20I setup has adopted a new style and has emerged as one of the top teams in the format under Surya Kumar Yadav's leadership. However, the ongoing experiments and the lack of fixed batting positions have raised several questions about the team's setup. Surya Kumar Yadav, the Indian T20I captain, now answered all the questions and said, "Everyone has to be very flexible.”
India is going to play with the full team in this series. The inclusion of Hardik Pandya will give the team more stability with both bat and ball. The team’s vice captain, Shubman Gill, also made his comeback after the neck injury he sustained in the first test at Eden Gardens. Welcoming them, Surya Kumar Yadav said in the press conference, “Both of them look healthy and fit. They have come along with the team. What you saw in the Asia Cup was that when he opened the bowling with the new ball, he opened up a lot of options and combinations for us with respect to the playing eleven.”
He also added, “So that's what he brings to the table, and his experience is invaluable. He has done well in many good games, big games, and ICC and ACC events as well. So that experience counts for a lot, and his presence will definitely give a good balance to the side.”
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Team’s plan with Sanju Samson
Gill’s comeback to the team will help India to set the potential playing eleven for the World Cup. Gill, along with Abhishek Sharma, will open the innings, which means Sanju has to play down the order, or Jitesh Sharma will take the gloves. Addressing Sanju Samson’s chances to play in the eleven, Surya said, "In terms of Sanju, when he came on the circuit, he batted higher up the order. Now, the thing is, other than the openers, everyone has to be very flexible. He did really well when he opened the innings, but Shubman had played before him in the Sri Lanka series, and so he deserved to take that spot.”
He also said that Sanju had given enough opportunities and Sanju is also in the scheme of things, "But we gave Sanju enough opportunities - he's ready to bat at any number, which is good to see - any player who's ready and flexible to bat anywhere from three to six. I have told batters other than the openers that you have to be flexible to bat.”
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Adding to that, he also said, "Both are in the scheme of things - it's lovely to have players like them be a part of the squad. One can open, the other can bat lower down the order - even both can do all the roles. So they are a good asset for our team and a good headache to have.”
The team’s combination and batting flexibility
Surya Kumar Yadav emphasised the batting flexibility, confirming that the batters from number three to seven have to be capable of batting at any position. Giving an example, Surya talked about Shivam Dube, who batted at number three in the Australia series, and also said Tilak might have to bat at number six as well.
"As you saw in Australia, Dube went in to bat at number three. It depends on the entry point of the batter. We have to be really flexible during that. Before us, you get to know how the squad will be. More likely, this is what the team and the squad look like. It looks good. It looks strong. So, I am very happy with it."
India will play their first match of the series tomorrow, 9th December, from 7.30 pm at Cuttack.
