The former Indian batsman, VVS Laxman was surprised by India’s amazing comeback over Sri Lanka, but he’s quite pleased with the approach in which the visitors won the 2nd ODI against the hosts. VVS Laxman about Suryakumar
While India had dropped to 193/7, Deepak Chahar (69 not-out) with Bhuvneshwar Kumar (19) collaborated on an unbroken 84-run partnership for the 8th wicket to help India reach their goal of 276 with 5 balls to play.
“The ODI series in Colombo has played out along expected lines, India clinching the series at the first time of asking. Victory in the first game was convincing and comprehensive, thanks to a powerful batting display, but I am sure the team will have taken greater pleasure in their three-wicket win in game two after being pushed to a corner,” Laxman said.
Everyone Will Cherish That Victory For The Rest Of Their Lives: VVS Laxman
“That result reflected the character Indian cricket as a whole has shown in the last several months, defeat in the WTC final notwithstanding. India looked out for the count at 193 for seven, still 83 short of the target, when an unexpected batting hero emerged in the form of Deepak Chahar”.
“The maturity and confidence he showcased under pressure were exemplary, the wise head of Bhuvneshwar Kumar guiding him admirably. It’s unlikely this bunch will play together for the country anytime soon after this tour is over, but every member of the party will cherish that victory for the rest of their lives,” Laxman added.
Suryakumar Yadav (53), as well as Krunal Pandya (35), put up a good fight till they were dismissed. During his 82-ball session, Chahar smashed 7 fours, along with the deciding boundary, and one six.
He showed intent and tremendous stroke-play: Laxman
VVS Laxman about Suryakumar. “India’s batting has been exciting and consistent with almost everyone in the top six making meaningful contributions, but the standout performers have been Prithvi Shaw and Suryakumar Yadav. While Prithvi will be disappointed at how he got out to spinners in both games, he showed intent and tremendous stroke-play, especially in the first game when he peppered the off-side boundary with stunning regularity,” Laxman added.
Suryakumar was an integral part of the Mumbai Indians’ back-to-back Indian Premier League wins in the two previous seasons. Surya also made an impression in his India debut in March, reaching 57 and 32 runs in 2 Twenty20 matches versus England, and has a strike rate of 185 or higher in that format.
“Surya is on a mission to make up for the lost time. A late entrant to international cricket, he looks the perfect mix of orthodoxy and aggression, and I especially love the way he uses his feet against the spinners”.
“In some ways, he is a throwback to our generation of batsmen in that not only does he come down the track, he also uses the depth and width of the crease to target areas that are not populated by fielders. That’s what makes him so versatile; he is as much at home batting at No. 5 as he is at No. 3 (which he does for his franchise), and the effortlessness with which he dismisses the ball from his presence takes my breath away,” Laxman added.
Sri Lanka’s 10th consecutive ODI series loss against India came in the second ODI.
“Sri Lanka have had their moments but have been let down by a lack of experience, more than anything else. Going into Friday’s final ODI, India will take nothing for granted. Agreed, the series is in the bag, but there is no greater satisfaction than completing a clean sweep, away from home,” Laxman concluded.
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