India lost the second T20I to South Africa by 51 runs in New Chandigarh.
India got off to a fast start thanks to Abhishek's 17 off eight deliveries, but they were placed on the defensive after Gill (0) and Suryakumar (5) were dismissed early in the powerplay. India was bowled out for 162 while chasing a hard 214 on an excellent batting pitch.
“I think myself, Shubman, we could have given a good start because we cannot rely on Abhishek all the time. The way he has been batting, he might have an off day. Me, Shubman and a few other batters should have taken it," Suryakumar said while speaking at the post-match presentation.
“I think it would have been a smart chase. But then it is okay, Shubman got out on the first ball. But I should have taken that responsibility, batted a little deeper. But as I said, we learn, we try and do better in the next game to come," Suryakumar added.
As a pinch hitter, Axar Patel was moved up to No. 3, but in a high-scoring chase, his run-a-ball 21 was of little use. In contrast, Suryakumar's explanation of the tactical decision lacked credibility.
“We just thought in the last game that we had seen Axar bat really well in the longer format. So, we wanted him to bat the same way today as well. But unfortunately, (it didn’t work) he did bat well. But we will see what is up for us going on in the next game," Suryakumar said.
Quinton de Kock led the South African charge with 90 in 46 balls with 5 fours and 7 sixes, while Donovan Ferreira (30* in 16 balls) and David Miller (20* in 12 balls) led the Proteas to 213/4 in 20 overs.
After the top order faltered, Tilak Varma made 62 in 34 balls with 2 fours and 5 sixes to his name, and along with Jitesh Sharma, who made 27 in 17 balls, kept the low hopes of an outside India win alive. However, India folded for 162 runs in the final over and lost the game by 51 runs.
The third T20I of the five match series will be played in Dharamshala on December 14.
(PTI inputs)