How did 'Surya's innings showcase maturity and awareness' according to Gavaskar after India takes a 2-0 lead?
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New Delhi, Jan 24 (NationPress) Former Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar praised Suryakumar Yadav's ‘mature’ performance that led India to a commanding win against New Zealand in the second T20I at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur on Friday.
Gavaskar, a former captain, expressed that Suryakumar's resurgence has greatly benefited the Men in Blue as they gear up for the T20 World Cup 2026, starting on February 7.
India successfully chased down the 209-run target, taking a 2-0 lead in the five-match series, largely due to a pivotal 122-run partnership between the captain and wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan.
Gavaskar emphasized Suryakumar’s awareness and maturity in managing his innings, noting his strategic pacing. “Surya’s innings indicated he was mindful of the situation. At one point, he was 11 off 11 balls, while Ishan was scoring freely. This showcases the skipper’s maturity; he allowed the in-form batter to take charge while he settled in and rotated the strike,” he remarked in an interview with JioStar.
“Once Ishan was dismissed, Surya took control and began to accelerate. His ability to drive through the offside was impressive, illustrating his intent to play straight. Scoring over 80 not out was a remarkable innings and a substantial boost for India ahead of the T20 World Cup,” he added.
The former opener also praised Kishan’s return to the Indian team, highlighting the strong rapport he shares with Suryakumar, cultivated during their time at the Mumbai Indians.
“Ishan and Surya have played alongside each other for the Mumbai Indians, so they understand each other’s gameplay well. Spending more than two months traveling and playing together fosters a bond. Ishan is a fun-loving individual and incredibly popular in the dressing room. Witnessing the team spirit is vital, especially in challenging situations,” Gavaskar noted.