Former India player Gautam Gambhir said he would want to see Suryakumar Yadav continue batting at No.3 for the Men in Blue even when Virat Kohli returns. Gambhir’s comments came after SKY scored 62 off 40 balls against New Zealand in the first T20I of the series in Jaipur.
The right-handed batter made full use of the opportunity to bat at No.3 in the absence of Virat Kohli, who has been rested for the ongoing series.
He hit 3 sixes and 6 fours and stitched a 59-run stand with captain Rohit Sharma. Virat Kohli had batted at number 3 in the ICC T20 World Cup, barring one match against Scotland where the former skipper gave up his spot for Suryakimar, saying the Mumbai Indians player didn’t get a chance to bat through in the global event.
“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.