WI vs IND: Good to have someone like Suryakumar Yadav in the team, says Hardik Pandya after win in 3rd T20I

India captain Hardik Pandya has showered praise on batter Suryakumar Yadav, saying it’s good to have someone like him in the team. Suryakumar scored 83 runs as India beat West Indies by seven wickets in the third T20I in Guyana.

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Speaking after the match, Pandya said the win in the third T20I was very important but insisted that they have a long-term plan in place. India beat the Windies by seven wickets to keep the five-match series alive.

“Obviously it was very important within the group. I said that it was a very important game that had to be enjoyed. At the end of the day, we have the long-term plan that we have in our mind. And at the same time, it is also our goal to show that we have the plan to do the job here in this point in time,” said Pandya.

He went on to say that their plan was to let Nicholas Pooran hit him if he wanted to, adding that he wants the West Indies wicket-keeping batter to come hard at him in the fourth T20I as well. Pooran managed to score 20 runs off 12 balls, before being dismissed by Kuldeep Yadav.

“Yeah, if Nicky wants to hit, let him hit me, that was the plan. I enjoy that kinda competition where I know I cannot err the line or length a lot. As it gives the advantage to Nicky. In the fourth game, I hope he comes very hard at me and gives me a wicket as well,” Pandya added.

The all-rounder hailed Suryakumar’s impact, saying it’s good to have him in the team, adding that he formed a great partnership with Tilak Varma. Varma scored an unbeaten 49 while Suryakumar hit 83 runs off 44 balls against the West Indies.

“Surya and Tilak play together and understand the game well. It’s good to have Surya in my team. He loves the challenge and I like to have someone like him. With the strike rate he bats, it gives the other batters a chance to learn what he is doing and that also shows his character,” said Pandya.

After beating the West Indies by seven wickets in Guyana, India will face them in the fourth T20I set to be played at the Broward County Stadium in Florida on August 12.