Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav said the hosts want their batters to play with freedom and express themselves, praising Ishan Kishan’s fearless strokeplay as a true reflection of the team’s mindset after India defeated New Zealand by seven wickets in the second T20I in Raipur on Friday.Despite some assistance from the dew, India’s chase of 209 began on a shaky note. Sanju Samson departed for 6, Abhishek Sharma fell for a golden duck, and the hosts were suddenly reeling at 6 for 2. What followed, however, was a breathtaking counterattack as Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Yadav added 122 runs in just 48 balls for the third wicket, transforming what appeared to be a daunting chase into a comfortable one.
Kishan did most of the early damage with his aggressive approach, scoring 76 off 32 balls, including a 21-ball fifty, before mis-hitting Ish Sodhi for a catch off the bowler’s own bowling. By then, the contest had already swung decisively in India’s favour.Suryakumar, meanwhile, finished with a superb 82 off just 37 balls, once again underlining his class and importance to the side only weeks ahead of a home T20 World Cup.“I didn’t know what Ishan had for lunch. Never saw anyone hit the ball like he did. This is what we want from the batters to go out there and express themselves, be happy. I was angry he didn’t give me a strike in the Power-play. But I knew that we had time and could cover up. I was batting really well in the nets, I got some good time with family and friends, and I am enjoying what’s happening right now,” Suryakumar Yadav said after the match.The emphatic finish also became the biggest win by balls remaining for a full-member nation while chasing a target of over 200. It surpassed Pakistan’s 24-ball win against New Zealand in Auckland in 2025 and Australia’s 23-ball victory over West Indies in Basseterre in the same year.India’s bowling, however, had its struggles. Arshdeep Singh endured a difficult outing, conceding 53 runs without a wicket. Hardik Pandya was more economical, returning figures of 1 for 25 from three overs, while Harshit Rana, despite bowling a wicket maiden, finished with 1 for 35 from three overs. The spin pair of Kuldeep Yadav and Varun Chakaravarthy combined for eight overs, claiming three wickets while giving away 70 runs. Shivam Dube also chipped in with a wicket.Suryakumar praised the collective bowling effort, admitting that India had feared New Zealand could push the total to 225–230, while singling out Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Shivam Dube and Hardik Pandya for restricting the visitors to 208.“It was an incredible effort. We thought they would add 225-230. The way Kuldeep, Varun, Dube, and Hardik. Everyone took their responsibility, and to restrict them to under 210 was a great effort.”He also highlighted the relaxed and positive atmosphere within the camp, stressing that India remain committed to playing their brand of cricket while giving their all in every aspect.“I am really enjoying. The mood in the camp is happy. We want to play the same brand of cricket and leave no stone unturned.”
