"Proper maahol" - Suryakumar Yadav enjoys rain in Kandy ahead of IND vs SL 3rd T20I
The ongoing three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka marked the beginning of Suryakumar Yadav's stint as Team India's full-time T20I captain. His tenure began on a positive note, with India claiming back-to-back victories in the first two fixtures.
The visitors have already pocketed the series with one match remaining by taking an unassailable 2-0 lead. Ahead of the upcoming third T20I, Suryakumar enjoyed the rains from his team hotel.
The swashbuckling batter posted a video on his Instagram story on Monday, July 29, in which it can be seen raining heavily in Kandy. Suryakumar wrote:
"Proper Maahol (proper scenes)."
Suryakumar Yadav has been one of India's top performers with bat in the ongoing series against Sri Lanka. He hit a stunning half-century in the opening encounter, scoring 58 runs off 26 balls.
He continued his impressive run in the recently concluded second T20I as well, delivering a quick-fire 26-run knock, helping the Men in Blue chase down the revised 78-run target (8 overs) in 6.3 overs.
"Rain helped us" - Suryakumar Yadav on India's seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in 2nd T20I
Sri Lanka registered 161/9 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first in the second T20I on Sunday, July 28. However, India's innings was later reduced to eight overs after a rain interruption.
Speaking at the post-match presentation, Suryakumar Yadav suggested that the rain helped the Indian team. He also spoke about the batting unit's attacking approach.
Suryakumar said (via Cricbuzz):
"We spoke about this before this tournament - what brand of cricket we want to play. Even if it's a shorter target or whatever target we are chasing, this is the template which we would like to go ahead with. With the weather around, anything below 160 would have been nice. The games which we have seen here before have always been tricky. Rain helped us.
"The way the boys batted, it was wonderful. We'll sit and decide what we want to do going forward (when asked if they'll test their bench strength). Very happy for the boys the way they showed their skill and talent and lot of character in tough situations."
The third and final T20I between India and Sri Lanka will be played at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, July 30.