The pitch dished out for the second T20I between India and New Zealand in Lucknow has become a topic of debate. It was a track where there was a lot of assistance for the spinners and batters from both sides couldn’t get going.
After India’s narrow six-wicket victory while chasing a paltry target of 100, skipper Hardik Pandya criticized the nature of the pitch, calling it a ‘shocker’. Subsequently, the curator came under the scanner and he has been sacked as well.
On the eve of the third T20I versus New Zealand, however, India vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav played down the Lucknow pitch controversy, saying the wicket doesn't matter a lot and they are "fine" with any type of surface.
"We (Hardik and I) had a chat later on, and it was like, whatever we got in future we will go with it. It's completely fine," Surya told reporters on Tuesday (January 31).
"It doesn't matter what soil you play on. These are the things which aren't in your control. We did what we had in our control, we had to adapt, apply on that ground and move on with the situation. But it was an exciting game.
"Any game, ODI or T20I, low or high scoring, if there's competition in the game, wickets, I don't think, matter a lot. You go out there, have a challenge, accept it and move on," he added.
Opting to bat first, the Kiwis posted a paltry 99/8 on the board. Skipper Mitchell Santner was the top scorer with 19.
In reply, the Men in Blue found themselves in a spot of bother at 70/4 but the duo of Suryakumar (26*) and Hardik (15*) forged an unbeaten 31-run stand to take the hosts over the finishing line with one ball to spare.
"Actually, we have been batting together for a very long time now. We had some good partnerships in the past.
"At that time, it was very important for us to have good communication and have a nice atmosphere as we knew that it was a little tense in the last over.
"We were just having a laugh, backing each other and telling each other whoever got an opportunity let's try and finish the game," Surya said about their strategy.
The 32-year-old attributed his exploits in domestic cricket to his composure while batting in pressure situations.
"I've played a lot of domestic cricket before making my international debut, that has helped me a lot.
"You have to apply yourself a lot and the grind you have there, playing on different challenging tracks, I just carried it from there. Rest I've learnt seeing so many senior players in the team, talking to them. Every game, I try to put my best foot forward."
Suryakumar Yadav is likely to make his Test debut in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, starting February 9 in Nagpur.
"Obviously, everyone wants to play Test cricket. You start your cricket at domestic level, playing with red ball only, and I played for Mumbai.
"We all know how exciting the series would be, but at the same time, it's about staying in the present and the focus is on how to give your best for tomorrow's game, then we have full time to think about Tests."
Almost two years back, Suryakumar had made his India debut against England in a T20I match in Ahmedabad, where the third T20I versus is due to be held. Since then, he has come a long way, achieving the No. 1 spot in the ICC T20I batting rankings.
"I told my manager also 'I'm back where it all began'. Even I took the steps slowly thinking of 2021 and how I came here.
"I've very good memories, but it will be completely different now. I'm very excited. Beautiful stadium, amazing crowd, looking forward to an exciting game tomorrow," he concluded.
(With PTI Inputs)
