IND vs SA: We learn… we try Suryakumar Yadav scrambles for answers after heavy defeat

2025-12-12

NEW DELHI: India captain Suryakumar Yadav admitted that his side was “far from good enough” after a crushing 51-run defeat to South Africa in the second T20I in Mullanpur on Thursday, repeatedly stressing that “we learn, we try” in an attempt to explain one of India’s most erratic performances in recent months.

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Chasing a stiff 214 on a batting-friendly pitch, India folded for 162, undone by early wickets and a muddled batting plan. In the spotlight was the reliance on Abhishek Sharma, whose short burst of 17 off eight balls once again provided the only spark at the top. But the opener’s early dismissal exposed a familiar fragility.

“I think myself, Shubman… we could have given a good start because we can’t rely on Abhishek all the time,” Suryakumar said, candidly accepting the blame. “The way he’s been batting, he might have an off-day. Me, Shubman and a few other batters should have taken it. I should have taken that responsibility, batted a little deeper.”

Gill, dismissed off the first ball, and Suryakumar, out for 5, left India reeling in the powerplay. The captain brushed aside excuses, but his repeated emphasis on “learning” said enough. “As I said, we learn… we try to do better in the next game.”

One decision that drew scrutiny was the promotion of Axar Patel to No. 3 as a pinch-hitter — an experiment that backfired as he crawled to 21 off 21 balls, draining crucial momentum. Suryakumar’s explanation didn’t inspire confidence. “We saw Axar bat well in the longer format. We wanted him to bat the same way. Unfortunately, it didn’t work… we will see what’s up for the next game.”

India’s bowling was equally rattled. Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh were smashed for nine sixes between them as both struggled to control a wet ball in heavy dew, repeatedly missing yorkers and offering full tosses.

“We should have had a second plan if the yorker wasn’t working,” Suryakumar admitted. “It’s a learning process. Just learn and move forward.”

The captain insisted India had “taken lessons” from how South Africa’s pacers executed their lengths, promising adjustments in the decider. But with two top-order failures in two games and an overdependence on Abhishek, India’s T20 blueprint suddenly looks shakier than expected — even as the captain continues to bank on learnings “for the next game.”