On Thursday, the fourth T20I between Team India and Australia at Carrara Oval in Queensland, Suryakumar Yadav, the captain of Team India, made a sarcastic comment about one of the team openers Abhishek Sharma. Talking to a journalist Vimal Kumar, just before getting into the team bus, the 35 year old laughed with Sharma on his unusually slow start.
Abhishek who was a very offensive stroke player could not get perfect timing in unfavorable conditions with a score of 28 off 21 deliveries before being bowled by leg-spinner Adam Zampa.
Watch the video provided by Vimal Kumar on Instagram, in which the Mumbai-born cricketer says:
“Vimal bhai, kabhi dekha hai sher ko ghaas khaate hue? Aaj sher ghaas kha raha tha dheere dheere karke. Achi baat bol raha hoon. (Vimal bhai, have you ever seen a lion eat grass? Today, the lion was eating grass slowly and steadily. I’m praising him).
Abhishek’s opening partnership of 56 with Shubman Gill was the highest in the Indian innings, helping the visitors reach 167/8 in 20 overs. Gill led the way with 46 points, while Suryakumar (20), Shivam Dube (22) and Axar Patel (21*) all made significant contributions.
The score proved to be more than enough, as Australia fell short by 48 runs in the end, giving up a 2-1 lead in the five-T20 International series. Only one match is left.
“The bowlers adapted quickly, especially with a bit of dew coming in” – Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav, speaking at the post-game presentation, commended the bowlers’ versatility. He elaborated:
“Credit to all the batters, especially Abhishek and Shubman. The way they started in the powerplay was smart, they realized early it wasn’t a typical wicket for 200+. Everyone chipped in, and it was a complete team effort with the bat. The messages were clear from outside as well, me and Gauti bhai were on the same page.”
“The bowlers adapted quickly, especially with a bit of dew coming in. The way they bowled was fantastic. It’s great to have bowlers who can give you two or three overs, and on some days even four,” he added.
Team India will seek to wrap up the series in the fifth and final T20I on Saturday at The Gabba.
