India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has emphasized the importance of having selfless cricketers in his team following a successful series against Bangladesh. Under the leadership of Suryakumar and coach Gautam Gambhir, India completed a second consecutive series sweep in the shortest format with a 3-0 victory over Bangladesh, marking a record-setting day in Hyderabad.

During the third T20I in Hyderabad on October 12, 2024, Suryakumar Yadav and Sanju Samson demonstrated their explosive batting prowess, amassing 173 runs off just 70 balls for the second wicket. Samson particularly stood out with his aggressive batting, accelerating from 62 off 29 balls to scoring 92 off 35 balls, including a remarkable sequence of five consecutive sixes in a single over from wristspinner Rishad Hossain. He then swiftly moved to a stunning 100 off just 40 balls, marking the second-fastest hundred by an Indian in T20Is. This innings was instrumental in propelling India to a score of 297 for 6, the second-highest total ever recorded in men’s T20Is.

Reflecting on the series, Suryakumar conveyed to the host broadcaster that building a selfless team was a key goal. He stressed the ethos shared by the team and the coaching staff, noting that individual milestones were secondary to team objectives. This philosophy was evident when Samson, approaching his century, chose to hit a six rather than take a safer single, embodying the selfless approach Suryakumar values.

India’s strategy for the series also included a tactical flexibility in both batting and bowling. With some Test players resting ahead of a three-match Test series against New Zealand, the T20I team featured a number of allrounders. Suryakumar utilized up to seven different bowlers in the second and third T20Is, and the batting order was adjusted to accommodate situational needs. For instance, debutant Nitish Kumar Reddy was promoted to No. 4 in the second T20I, where he scored a brisk 74 off 34 balls after India found themselves at 41 for 3 in the powerplay.

Suryakumar highlighted the need for continued flexibility and the importance of maintaining good habits on the field. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance and the dynamic environment within the squad.

Looking ahead, India’s next T20I challenge will be a four-match series in South Africa scheduled from November 8 to November 15, 2024. This series will coincide with the Test team’s preparations for their upcoming tour of Australia, which begins with the first match in Perth on November 22.