Team India is all set to clash against New Zealand for the five-match T20I series. The first T20I match between Team India and New Zealand is scheduled to be played on Wednesday at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.
Ahead of the game, Team India skipper Suryakumar Yadav said that he is not much concerned about his form. He had a forgetful run with the willow in the format of the previous year. The right-handed batsman didn`t score a single half-century in 21 matches. He scored a total of 218 runs with an average of 13.62, and his highest score was an unbeaten 47 runs.
While speaking at the pre-match press conference, Suryakumar said that he has been batting well in the nets and is not looking to change his technique, which has given the Mumbai-born cricketer success in the previous years.
“Every game we play in a series is crucial. We try to get something out of it. I have been batting really well at the nets and also talking about the runs; it will definitely come, but at the same time, I can`t do things differently. I don`t want to change my identity. What has given me success in the past 3-4 years, I would like to bat the same way,” he said.
The skipper also said that he would go back to the drawing board and is ready to work hard if he fails to accumulate runs.
“If performance comes, I will take it. If it doesn`t come, then I will go back to the drawing board, practice again, work hard and come back stronger,” said Suryakumar.
Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar will miss out on the series due to injuries. Speaking about their absence, the skipper said that it will provide an opportunity for other players.
“Injury is a big part of a sportsman`s life. So, we can`t do anything about it. It`s not in anyone`s control. But at the same time, someone else will get an opportunity to play. I mean, we will obviously miss Tilak and Washington as well. They have done so much for the Indian team whenever they have played this format. But at the same time, someone will have to play in their place. We can`t go without nine people. But yeah, someone will get an opportunity, and I wish them all the best,” said the 35-year-old cricketer.
India`s squad for the T20I series against New Zealand
Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Ravi Bishnoi.
(With ANI Inputs)
