"Stellar Captaincy"- Former Indian legend's assessment of Suryakumar Yadav after IND vs SL 1st T20I

Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has lauded Axar Patel and Suryakumar, especially after India's comeback from-behind win against Sri Lanka in the first T20I in Pallekele on Saturday.

India won by 43 runs after Sri Lanka were bowled out for 170. They were in a good position at 140/1 when the slide started for the Lankans. Axar Patel bowling the 15th over dismissed Pathum Nissanka (79) and Kusal Perera (20). The duo had a partnership of 56.

After Nissaknk's dismissal for 79, it was a procession of wickets for Sri Lanka as they lost their last nine wickets for 30 runs. Axar Patel ended with 2/38. Interestingly, Suryakumar Yadav's ploy to introduce Riyan Parag into the bowling attack paid dividends. He took three wickets in 8 balls including the last wicket to fall for Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka lost their last nine wickets for 30 runs.

Pathan praised SKY for his captaincy saying that he caught the pulse of the game and credited him for bringing Parag into the bowling attack as well.

Also Read: Watch: Matheesha Pathirana completely outfoxes Rishabh Pant, cleans him up with a slower delivery

Irfan Pathan Praises Suryakumar Yadav, and Axar Patel After India's Win

Axar Patel’s brilliant over turned the game for India, claiming two crucial wickets. Stellar captaincy from Surya, bringing in Riyan Parag for an over to dismiss the left-hander with his off-spin. Caught the pulse of the game really well. #<!---->I<!---->N<!---->D<!---->v<!---->S<!---->L

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) J<!---->u<!---->l<!---->y<!----> <!---->2<!---->7<!---->,<!----> <!---->2<!---->0<!---->2<!---->4

"Axar Patel’s brilliant over turned the game for India, claiming two crucial wickets. Stellar captaincy from Surya, bringing in Riyan Parag for an over to dismiss the left-hander with his off-spin. Caught the pulse of the game really well. #INDvSL" tweeted Pathan just after the game.

It was SKY's first game as India's full-time T20I captain and it ended with a win. Earlier in the game, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat first. Yashasvi Jaiswal gave a good start to the side with a quick-fire 40 off 21 balls.

Yadav batting in his first match as T20I captain scored 58 off 26 balls his 19th T20I fifty. Rishabh Pant also scored 49 off 33 balls and played his part in taking the team to 213.

The chase began well for the Lankans with Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis (45) adding 84 for the first wicket in nine overs.

Arshdeep Singh broke the partnership and it was then Axar Patel who inflicted further damage to the Lannkan batting lineup. SKY was the Player of the Match the 16th of his career equalling Virat Kohli's tally of 16 MOMs as well. Rohit Sharma is the other Indian on the list with 14.

Gautam Gambhir brought about his KKR methodology of coaching to the Indian team. He maintained the right-left combination in the batting order which is why Riyan Parag was sent ahead of Rinku Singh after the dismissal of Hardik Pandya. Axar Patel's came off 10 off 5 balls proved to be crucial as India crossed the 210-run mark.

India and Sri Lanka have now played 30 T20I matches and the first T20I win was the 20th win for the Men in Blue against the Lankans. Sri Lanka have won nine T20Is against India.

The second T20I will be played on Sunday followed by the third on Tuesday. The two teams then play a three-match ODI series with the matches in Colombo on August 2,4 and 7.

Also Read: Watch: Shubman Gill Recreates Rohit Sharma's Hilarious Water Bottle goof-up moment, Leaves Fans in splits