Suryakumar Yadav joins elite list with most Player of the Series awards in T20Is
Suryakumar Yadav joins elite list: Suryakumar Yadav has showcased exceptional consistency and skill, earning his place among the elite cricketers with the most Player of the Series awards in T20Is.
With his fifth award, Yadav is now tied with Bangladesh's Shakib Al Hasan and Australia's David Warner, trailing only behind Virat Kohli, who holds six awards. This milestone highlights Yadav's impressive ascent in the shortest format of cricket.
Yadav's journey to this achievement has been remarkable. His aggressive batting style and ability to perform under pressure have made him an invaluable asset to the Indian cricket team. Having played 71 T20Is, he has amassed 2,432 runs at an average of 42.67. His consistent match-winning performances have solidified his position in the squad and earned him recognition as one of the top T20I players globally.
Joining the ranks of Shakib Al Hasan and David Warner, both renowned for their contributions to their respective teams, underscores Yadav's significant impact in international cricket. Shakib's all-round capabilities and Warner's explosive batting have set high standards, and Yadav's inclusion in this elite list highlights his calibre and potential to shape the future of T20 cricket.
Recently, under the leadership of Suryakumar Yadav and head coach Gautam Gambhir, India secured a 3-0 T20I series win over Sri Lanka. In the final match of the series on Tuesday, India made four changes to their winning combination. Despite a shaky start with the bat, India's high-risk, high-reward strategy ultimately paid off.
Chasing 138, Sri Lanka's Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis put together an opening stand of 58 runs. Ravi Bishnoi's breakthrough in the ninth over raised hopes for an Indian comeback. Bishnoi went on to dismiss Mendis (43), trapping him in front of the stumps. Washington Sundar then turned the game in India's favour by removing Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka on consecutive deliveries.
With nine runs needed off 12 balls, Suryakumar Yadav took a chance on Rinku Singh, who delivered under pressure. In a single over, Rinku dismissed set-batter Kusal Perera (46) and Ramesh Mendis (3), reducing the equation to six runs in six balls. Suryakumar then took the ball and claimed two wickets in a row, leaving Sri Lanka needing three runs on the final ball. Chamindu Wickramasinghe managed a double on the final delivery, taking the game to a Super Over.
In the Super Over, Washington Sundar bowled brilliantly, conceding just two runs and dismissing Kusal Mendis and Nissanka. Suryakumar sealed the victory with a sweep to the fence, completing India's whitewash over Sri Lanka in the T20I series.
- With inputs from agencies
