Suryakumar Yadav reveals the key mantra followed by Indian batters which turned the tide around in Pune

India secured their fifth T20I series win on the trot ever since their triumph in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 as they beat England in the 4th T20I in Pune, clinching an unassailable lead of 3-1 with a game to spare. However, it wasn’t an easy win for the hosts as they had to brave a fair bit of England's resistance along the way.

Talking at the post-match presentation, the Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav highlighted the mindset which saw the Men in Blue turn things around from a very uncomfortable corner. He also highlighted the essence of turning the tide around when things aren’t going in one’s direction while shedding some light on the practice sessions which have been the defining factor for the Indian cricket team.

Pointing out the early woes, SKY said, “A top effort from everyone on the field. A great crowd from the start till the end, they were always behind us and there was support from everyone. We didn't want to go back after 10/3 and boys know what brand of cricket we wanted to play. Three wickets in one over, it was too much for us. But the way they batted, the way they responded, the positive intent they showed in the middle and the way Hardik and Dube showed their experience, it was great.”

Revealing the freedom given to the batters, SKY added, “This is one thing we've been talking about - expressing yourself and you bat the same way as you bat in the nets. These guys, the way they practise during the net sessions, that's incredible and they do the same in the game, so I am really happy. I think we are moving in the right direction. I knew post-powerplay, between 7-10, that was the time we could control the game and the same thing happened, we picked a few wickets and controlled the game.”

He concluded with a revelation about the post-drinks situation and the bowling changes, adding, “Post-drinks, when unfortunately Shivam Dube couldn't come in, Harshit Rana came in as the third seamer and delivered it for us, that was incredible.” SKY also had a promise for Mumbai, stating, “Lot of fireworks (to be expected in Mumbai), I am sure.”