India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has said that their series win against Australia was a big boost after the 2023 ODI World Cup disappointment. India defeated Australia 4-1 in a five-match T20I series just days after losing the ODI World Cup final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
India’s tour of South Africa: Full coverage
India is all set to take on South Africa in a three-match T20I series. India is in South Africa for a month-long tour, where they will play three T20Is, three ODIs and two Test matches.
Speaking ahead of the first T20I, Suryakumar said the series win against Australia was a big boost for the team, insisting that the team will continue playing fearless cricket. Suryakumar led India in the five-match T20I series against Australia and will be leading the team in South Africa as well.
“The World Cup defeat was a disappointment, and it is tough to move on from it. But the series win against Australia was a big boost even though it came in a different format. The players put their hands up against Australia and came up with fearless cricket, and we need to play the same against South Africa. I just told them (players) to do exactly what they do in franchise cricket,” said Suryakumar.
He went on to say that they have a team combination in mind and have players who can become a sixth bowling option for India. The management opted for a young team against Australia, which reaped positive results. It will be interesting to see if they go for a similar approach against South Africa as well.
“We have the combination in mind. We know who are going to open tomorrow, and perhaps, will take a final call after the practice session today. Yes, we have enough sixth bowler options in this side to bank upon. I am enjoying it. It is all about keeping the players together and this is a fine group of players,” Suryakumar added.
India will face South Africa in the first macth of the three-game T20I series at the Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban on Sunday, December 10.
