Suryakumar Yadav should continue to bat at No.3 when Virat Kohli returns – Gautam Gambhir

Former India cricketer Gautam Gambhir has vouched that Suryakumar Yadav continue batting at No.3 when Virat Kohli returns to the T20 fold. Kumar, who batted at one drop in the first T20I against New Zealand in Jaipur, played a 62-run knock to help India chase down 164 runs set by the Kiwis.

Suryakumar made full use of the opportunity in the absence of Kohli, who was rested from the three-match series. The Mumbai Indians batsman smacked 3 sixes and 6 boundaries as he never allowed the New Zealand bowlers to settle down in the middle-overs.

https://twitter.com/BCCI/status/1461061479344443394?s=20

Gautam Gambhir stressed that Suryakumar Yadav batting at No. 3 in T20Is will help India carry forward the momentum built by the openers while also adding that Virat Kohli batting at No.4 will strengthen the middle order. Speaking on a Star Sports show, Gambhir said:

“He (Suryakumar) has got many options. He plays spin very well. He has got all the shots, he is a 360 player as well. That is what makes him very difficult to bowl at. When Virat Kohli comes back, I still want to see Suryakumar bat at No. 3 and Virat at No. 4,” Gambhir said.

“That gives India an option to continue with the momentum because Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul are very explosive at the top. And Surya at No. 3 could be your best option because he can continue the momentum and Virat can be an anchor at No.4 probably like how Steve Smith has been for Australia. If you lose a couple of early wickets, Virat can manage that middle order,” he added.

Disappointed that Suryakumar was not able to stay till the end – Gautam Gambhir

The former opener was not happy with Suryakumar failing till the end and finish off the chase for India. Notably, after the MI star got out for 62 in the 17th over, India stuttered, allowing New Zealand to get back into the contest. However, Rishabh Pant kept his nerve to take India home with two balls to spare.

“Very disappointing. Though I really admire him for the way he bats, he really needs to finish off as well. It’s not important how you start, it’s important how you finish. It doesn’t matter if you get a 60 or a 70, it’s important to finish games. That’s what maturity is all about,” Gambhir concluded.