Virat sacrificed his batting position for me: Suryakumar Yadav hails Kohli after New Zealand win

Suryakumar Yadav heaped rich praise on Virat Kohli after starring in India’s 5-wicket win over New Zealand, saying the former T20I captain sacrificed his No.3 spot and allowed SKY to bat at that position in the team’s final T20 World Cup match against Namibia.

Notably, Suryakumar Yadav made full use of the opportunity to bat at No. 3 in the absence of Kohli, who had been rested for the 3-match series. Yadav scored 62 off 40 balls to help India beat New Zealand by five wickets in their first T20 match on Wednesday.

India vs New Zealand, 1st T20I: Highlights | Report

SKY hails Virat Kohli

“I am very flexible with the batting order. I have batted from opening to No7. I can bat at any position and I am happy with that,” Suryakumar said in the post-match press conference.

“I still remember when I made my batting debut, he was the one who sacrificed his position and let me go at No. 3 when I played against England and he batted at 4. It was the same thing. He asked whether I want to go in so that I get some World Cup game time. It was really nice of him and I enjoyed coming back not out in that game.”

When the SKY was full of stars

It’s a good night from Jaipur #TeamIndia @surya_14kumar #INDvNZ @Paytm pic.twitter.com/MnebSWFvwA

— BCCI (@BCCI) November 17, 2021

“I am batting at No.3 for the last three years for my franchise (in IPL) so it was nothing different. I don’t try to do any different. I just am myself and try to enjoy the format,” he added.

Suryakumar further revealed that Venkatesh Iyer will soon be seen bowling on the pitch.

“He has been really working hard in the working season. I have been watching him in the last two net sessions, before batting, he was bowling a lot with Paras [Mhambrey] and also having a lot of discussions with Rohit also.”

“So you will surely see him in action. Today, I didn’t think there wasn’t any need for him to bowl because Rohit used all his bowlers really well and you will surely see him bowl in the coming games,” he continued.

When asked about the role of batters in the Indian cricket team, given that most of them play at the top of the order for their franchises in the Indian Premier League, Suryakumar said: “I feel franchise cricket is completely different. When you come to the Indian team you got to be really flexible in your batting order. You have to be ready to bat at any position.”