India captain Suryakumar Yadav defended Harshit Rana and Arshdeep Singh’s quiet performance in Friday’s Asia Cup victory against Oman in Abu Dhabi, stating that it would be unrealistic to expect them to perform well after warming the bench in the previous two games.
Rana and Arshdeep both gave up a lot of runs while grabbing a wicket each as India defeated a determined Oman by 21 runs in their last Group A match.
“It’s a little difficult when you’re sitting and suddenly you come out and play. It’s so humid here,” said Suryakumar as Oman batters troubled India, forcing the skipper to employ eight bowlers.
He said Oman played a “unbelievable brand of cricket” and commended them for their tenacity.
“Overall impressive. I feel, Oman played (well). I knew with their coach, Sulu sir (Sulakshan Kulkarni), there will be khadoosness (stubbornness). It was amazing, really enjoyed watching them bat,” said the India captain.
In order to allow all of his batters time in the middle before the Super 4s, Suryakumar moved himself down the order, even below Kuldeep Yadav, who came in at No. 9. He joked that he would try to bat higher than No. 11 in the next game and described Hadik Pandya’s run out as “unfortunate.”
Sanju Samson, the player of the match, expressed his happiness at finally being able to spend time in the middle and play some shots before the Super 4s.
India’s top order chased down the targets set by the UAE and Pakistan, denying the keeper-batter a chance to bat in those matches.
Arriving at one-down on Friday, Samson shared a 66-run partnership with opener Abhishek Sharma while hitting a 45-ball 56.
“It was humid and hot out there. Working on my fitness on the last few weeks. We just got a new trainer and did the Bronco test. Good to see I got to spend some time in the middle. They (Oman) bowled really well. Have to give credit to Oman. Bowled well in the powerplay also, were swinging it upfront.”
“I keep backing my strength to stay positive. Any contribution with the bat for your country, you have to take the positives,” said Samson.
Oman captain Jatinder Singh expressed pride with his team’s performance and the way they carried out their plans.
“I am extremely proud of the unit. The way they came up, they had their plans and executed them well. They were very much in the present. So proud of the way they have shown their character in the crunch situation.”
“The hype of the tournament was there in the mind. We lack a little experience and exposure. This game was a blessing in disguise. We have a (T20) World Cup qualifier happening in Oman and the boys are ready.”
