3 reasons why Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh's bowling are good signs for India
Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh being among the key wicket-takers in the third T20I against Sri Lanka sprung a delightful surprise for fans and fraternity. The duo picked up two wickets each to defend 137 and eventually helped India to complete a 3-0 T20I series whitewash on Tuesday, July 30, in Pallekele.
With nine required off the last two overs and still having six wickets in hand, the home team were cruising through the run chase easily. However, after skipper Suryakumar introduced Rinku in the penultimate over, he gave away only three runs and scalped two wickets, while also dismissing Kusal Perera (46).
Then, with six runs needed off the last over, Suryakumar came into the attack and also took a couple of wickets, as the scores were tied. Then, Washington Sundar scalped two wickets in the Super Over, and gave away only two runs. In only the first ball, 'SKY' hit a boundary to finish off the game.
Interestingly, this was Suryakumar and Rinku's first over in T20I format, which worked wonders for the team in crunch moments. Let's take a look at what their bowling abilities bring to the table for the national team.
#1 Could help Indian team to play with an additional batter
In recent years, the Indian team has often tried to accommodate an additional batter/batting all-rounder in the lower middle-order. This need arises in case of top-order collapse, and the team will require the middle-order to contribute in a significant manner.
With the likes of Riyan Parag, Suryakumar Yadav and Rinku Singh emerging as the handy bowling options, the team can play with four core bowling options and include a core batter or an all-rounder in the No. 7 position.
#2 Strengthens India's spin attack ahead of home T20 World Cup in 2026
The 2026 T20 World Cup will be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, which will boast spin-friendly wickets on most venues. Moreover, the tournament is scheduled to be played in February-March, which will further assist slow bowlers and spinners due to hot weather.
Apart from the above-mentioned trio chipping in with their bonus overs, Axar Patel has also emerged as a standout performer for the Indian team. He will play a key role in India's T20 World Cup defense due to his ability to turn the ball.
With enough ammunition in the bag, the probable attack comprising key spinners, Kuldeep Yadav and Ravi Bishnoi would form a potent bowling group to trouble the non-Asian teams.
#3 Relieve pressure off the fast-bowling unit
Generally, the pacers get help from the surface with the new ball in the subcontinent pitches. Then, it's all their hardwork and skills to fetch an opposition's wicket.
If the Men in Blue can have six-seven bowling options in the XI, it can prove to be helpful for relieving the pressure off the pacers in the middle-overs. The bowling mastro, Jasprit Bumrah was ranked second among India's highest wicket-takers in the 2023 World Cup and 2024 World Cup, respectively. Moreover, Arshdeep Singh emerged as the top wicket-taker for the country in the 2024 World Cup.
With them likely to be pacers in 2026 T20 World Cup, both pacers can deliver without pressure, with the spinners using the surface's assistance from the other end.