Suryakumar Confirms Kishan to Bat No. 3 Targeting T20 World Cup

Morgan Winslow

ago 2 hours

Suryakumar Confirms Kishan to Bat No. 3 Targeting T20 World Cup

In a significant move ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, India has confirmed that Ishan Kishan will replace the injured Tilak Varma in the team. Captain Suryakumar Yadav announced this decision during a press conference in Nagpur, stating that Kishan would bat at No. 3 in the first T20I against New Zealand.

Ishan Kishan Takes Center Stage

Suryakumar emphasized that the choice to select Kishan over Shreyas Iyer is a strategic one, aimed at preparing for the T20 World Cup set to begin on February 7, 2024. Kishan, who is also a backup wicketkeeper for the tournament, has not played for India since November 2023.

Kishan’s Performance and Role

Kishan has amassed 796 runs in 32 T20I matches.
His batting average stands at 25.67, with a strike rate of 124.37.
Only one of his innings has been outside the top three batting positions.

While Suryakumar confirmed Kishan as the primary option for the No. 3 slot, he noted the possibility of flexibility in batting orders, depending on the match situation. Both Kishan and Suryakumar play left-handed, which could influence strategy during the game.

Captain Suryakumar’s Reflections

As he approaches his 100th T20I appearance, Suryakumar’s recent form has faced scrutiny. He has not scored a fifty in his last 22 T20I innings, averaging just 12.84 during this stretch. However, he remains confident in his approach to the game.

“I’ve been batting really well,” he said, acknowledging the current lack of runs but expressing a commitment to his style. Suryakumar highlighted that he prioritizes the team’s performance over individual milestones, reinforcing his role as a captain in a team sport.

Team Dynamics and Future Outlook

Suryakumar’s perspective emphasizes resilience and team cohesion. “My main job is to ensure the team is doing well,” he stated, indicating that personal struggles do not overshadow collective achievements. As India prepares for the T20 World Cup, the focus will undoubtedly be on how these decisions play out on the field.