India skipper Suryakumar Yadav shared his thoughts ahead of the T20 World Cup opener against the USA, saying the team is fully open to playing both Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav together if the situation demands. He described the debate around choosing between the two talented wrist spinners as a positive challenge rather than a concern. Both bowlers were part of India’s recent five-match T20I series against New Zealand, although they played together only in the second game at Raipur.
“It is an added advantage that you have such good bowlers available. But at the same time, you also have to look at the combination, whom do you play against a certain opposition,” Suryakumar told the media on the eve of their T20 World Cup opener against the USA here.
“If there is a need that we can play two spinners, (or) two wrist spinners, then we will definitely play (them). But yes, it is always good to have options like Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, two (of the) best spinners in the world and it is a very good headache,” he added.
India’s desire to maintain a strong batting lineup has sometimes made it difficult to include both spinners in the same playing eleven, since neither Chakravarthy nor Kuldeep is known for heavy hitting lower down the order.
Left Handed Batters Also A Good Headache
The Indian captain also spoke about another selection discussion involving the team’s batting lineup, especially with more left-handers than right-handers available. With Ishan Kishan expected to open alongside Abhishek Sharma, questions were raised about the balance of the lineup.
“Are you enjoying watching the fours and sixes being hit or not?” Suryakumar answered when asked if it was an issue for the team management.
“I think it is a good headache and I feel it is an over-rated conversation. At this stage, when you have played so much cricket against the left-arm spinners or off-spinners, whatever it is, you have played enough cricket and you (also) have practiced a lot.
“On a given day, irrespective of a spinner is bowling or a fast bowler is bowling to two left-handers or two right-handers, your job is to do what you (can) do (for) the best for the team and that is what is happening,” he added.
Read More
Ishan Kishan Set To Open After Strong Form
Suryakumar confirmed that Ishan Kishan will begin the innings thanks to his impressive recent performances. The wicketkeeper batter has been in excellent touch, which made the decision straightforward for the team management.
“Definitely. The way he played cricket in the last five T20Is, because they were international matches it (his performance) came up (noticed) so much,” Suryakumar said.
“He batted similarly in the (Syed) Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy and he has carried the same here. He got an opportunity at No. 3 and then he opened in the warm-up match (against South Africa).” “I hope he continues to bat like this at whatever position he plays — he’s not going to bat below No.3 — but whatever opportunity comes his way, he should bat the same way,” he added.
Handling Pressure While Playing At Home
Playing in front of home crowds always brings extra expectations, and Suryakumar acknowledged that there will be pressure. However, he believes the energy from fans can also be a huge boost for the team.
“When you are playing at home, there is always an added pressure. I am not running away from the fact. There will be nerves (and) there will be pressure. But if you see the positive side of it, there will be a lot of cheer around,” he said.
“There is no double thought that we have been playing good cricket. But at the same time, you have to be in the present,” he said.
Preparing For Lesser-Known Opponents
Suryakumar also mentioned that India does not get many chances to play smaller cricketing nations regularly, which can make preparation slightly tricky. To overcome this, the team relies heavily on video analysis and targeted practice sessions.
“We do see a lot of videos. We don’t play them often but we have a lot of preparations going on. We have bowlers’ (and) batters’ meeting. We see the bowlers (and then) we play similar kind of fast bowlers when we are practicing in the nets,” he said.
“There are a lot of preparations behind it. Though we have a disadvantage that we don’t get to play these nations, but you have to be prepared. At this level, there is no excuse.”
Leader Over Captain
Finally, Suryakumar Yadav spoke about how he views his role in the team. He shared that he prefers to be seen as a leader rather than focusing too much on the title of captain.
“…it does feel a little over-rated to be called captain,” he said.
“Being called a leader feels good, gives the feeling of a leader. But when being called a captain, a little complacency comes in. It’s a good opportunity to lead such a good group on the home soil and starting the campaign at Wankhede (Stadium),” he said.
ALSO READ: From Nora Fatehi To Badshah Inside The Star Studded T20 World Cup Opening Ceremony
