Indian players and support staff confirm it was Suryakumar Yadav's decision to bowl Rinku Singh in the 19th over

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav's decision to hand the ball to Rinku Singh in a high-pressure moment in the dramatic third and final T20I against Sri Lanka has sparked a wave of reactions from the cricket world. However, Yadav's ultra-shocking call proved to be a game-changer for India.

The match was a nail-biter, with India facing intense pressure. Suryakumar, known for his innovative tactics, took a gamble by turning to Rinku, a player who had previously only practiced his bowling in nets but not rolled his hand in the match, in the 19th over of Sri Lanka’s chase in Kandy.

Indian players and support staff open up about Suryakumar Yadav's bold move in the third T20I against Sri Lanka

This strategic move unbelievably paid off for the Indian cricket team, as Rinku conceded only three runs and scalped two wickets in his six balls when Sri Lanka needed only nine runs from the last twelve balls. Later, Suryakumar himself defended the 6 runs in the 20th over while taking 2 wickets in the match.

After they clinched the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, India’s interim bowling coach Sairaj Bahutule revealed that it was Yadav's decision to hand the ball to Rinku in the crucial situation. He said it was a great decision while hailing the Indian captain’s knack for surprising opponents and making impactful decisions.

Sairaj Bahutule said in a video posted by the BCCI on X: “The way I think Surya operates, you can never be short of surprises. I think it was a great decision again.”

𝙎𝙥𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙩 𝙩𝙤 𝙬𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙩! 😎

Hear it from #<!---->T<!---->e<!---->a<!---->m<!---->I<!---->n<!---->d<!---->i<!---->a's match-winners with the ball during that dramatic Super-over finish yesterday 🎥🔽#<!---->S<!---->L<!---->v<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D | @<!---->s<!---->u<!---->r<!---->y<!---->a<!---->_<!---->1<!---->4<!---->k<!---->u<!---->m<!---->a<!---->r | @<!---->S<!---->u<!---->n<!---->d<!---->a<!---->r<!---->w<!---->a<!---->s<!---->h<!---->i<!---->5 | @<!---->r<!---->i<!---->n<!---->k<!---->u<!---->s<!---->i<!---->n<!---->g<!---->h<!---->2<!---->3<!---->5 p<!---->i<!---->c<!---->.<!---->t<!---->w<!---->i<!---->t<!---->t<!---->e<!---->r<!---->.<!---->c<!---->o<!---->m<!---->/<!---->L<!---->Q<!---->s<!---->4<!---->c<!---->9<!---->p<!---->L<!---->e<!---->q

— BCCI (@BCCI) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->3<!---->1<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4

Meanwhile, Indian all-rounder Washington Sundar echoed the sentiment, praising Yadav's decision to bring Rinku into the fray. Sundar noted that Rinku’s bowling had consistently posed challenges during practice sessions, and his ability to deliver in such a tough situation gives the other bowlers in the team a tough challenge and at the same time boosts the team's strength.

It was a great decision by Surya: Washington Sundar

Sundar said in the same video: “It was a great decision by Surya, first of all, to bring in Rinku. Rinku definitely makes things very difficult for us when he bowls to us in the net. And now he has shown it in the games as well. Obviously, Surya has to bring himself in, especially in one of the most tense situations. And, you know, almost winning the game for the team was amazing.”

Furthermore, Yadav himself reflected on his decision, saying he has extensive experience of playing in such close matches, and his familiarity with such tense situations and looking at how the captains under whom he played used bowlers led him to trust Singh with the crucial over.

Suryakumar said, “I have played these close games many times before. I have played under other captains. So, I have seen how they win the game in the last overs, till the last ball. And I had told Rinku, Riyan Parag, and everyone to keep bowling in the nets. Because the wickets here are such that even if it's a little dry, you have to bowl. It's simple. It's a high-risk, high-reward system.”

I didn't expect to get the ball in such a crucial situation: Rinku Singh

On the other hand, Rinku also expressed his surprise when called upon. However, the Indian batter had been preparing for such an opportunity, but the moment of being asked to bowl was unexpected. He revealed that there was no such plan for him to bowl in the match.

Rinku Singh said in the same video shared by the BCCI on X: “Surya Bhai had already told me to be ready for the ball. Yesterday, Surya Bhai told me that I have to bowl. I have to warm up a little before the match. When the match was going on, I had no hope that I would get the ball. And suddenly, he told me to turn my hand. So, I turned my hand. What's the plan? You know, two wickets.”