’The energy after we…’ – Suryakumar Yadav lauds coach Gautam Gambhir after India beat England in first T20I

Team India led by Suryakumar Yadav beat England by seven wickets to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. It was a much-needed result for the home team after back-to-back series losses to New Zealand and Australia in the Test format. The 34-year-old pacer complimented coach Gautam Gambhir for letting the team play with freedom. 

Speaking at the end of the game, SKY said “The energy after we won the toss set the benchmark. Bowlers had plans executed, and the way we batted was icing on the cake. We did the same in South Africa, Hardik had the responsibility to bowl the new ball, so cushion to play the extra spinner. Varun’s preparations are on point, and Arshdeep is taking the extra responsibility”

“There’s a lot of freedom being given by Gauti bhai, we want to play a bit different. The fielding is one area we’ve been working really hard. Let’s take those half chances and make a difference” 

Basit Ali praises Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy

Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali was impressed with the way Suryakumar Yadav led the side during the first T20I. The former Pakistan batter said “The way Arshdeep was moving the ball, he dismissed two batters in the first two overs. Pandya was the most expensive. All other bowlers completed the plans. They were supported most by Suryakumar Yadav. When he gave Arshdeep the third over, I said 'Wow, this is captaincy.'"

Basit Ali also added, “When you are playing against a good opposition, one decision can change the game. Arshdeep also became the bowler Indian with the most T20I wickets - 97 leaving Chahal behind”. Yuzvendra Chahal was the leading wicket-taker in the T20I format before being overtaken by Arshdeep on Wednesday. 

“I was listening to Deep Dasgupta's commentary. When the match hadn't even started when England came to bowl, he told what a captaincy. I was astonished. I said captaincy? There is a leg-slip, short-leg, and slip as well. The batters had not even touched the ball yet” Basit Ali ended by saying.