'Not easy to just walk in and play': Suryakumar Yadav backs Arshdeep Singh, Harshit Rana after rusty return

NEW DELHI: India captain Suryakumar Yadav offered a candid reflection after his side’s 21-run win over a spirited Oman in their final Group A clash of the Asia Cup, admitting the conditions and circumstances were far from easy.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!“It’s a little difficult when you’re sitting and suddenly you come out and play. It’s so humid here,” Suryakumar said, after Harshit Rana (1/25 in 3 overs) and Arshdeep Singh (1/37 in 4 overs) went for runs on their return to the XI. Forced to rotate eight bowlers, the skipper was generous in his praise for the opposition. “Overall impressive. I feel Oman played (well). I knew with their coach, Sulu sir (Sulakshan Kulkarni), there will be khadoosness (stubbornness).

It was amazing, really enjoyed watching them bat.”

He described Hardik Pandya’s run-out as “unfortunate” and revealed he had pushed himself down the order — even below Kuldeep Yadav, who batted at No.9 — just to give others time in the middle. With a smile, he added, “I will try to bat higher than No. 11 in the next game.”Sanju Samson, named Player of the Match for his 56 off 45 balls, relished his first substantial outing of the tournament. “It was humid and hot out there.

Working on my fitness the last few weeks. We just got a new trainer and did the Bronco test. Good to see I got to spend some time in the middle. They (Oman) bowled really well. Have to give credit to Oman. Bowled well in the powerplay also, were swinging it upfront. I keep backing my strength to stay positive.

Any contribution with the bat for your country, you have to take the positives.”Oman skipper Jatinder Singh was equally emotional, beaming with pride at his side’s fight. “I am extremely proud of the unit. The way they came up, they had their plans and executed them well. They were very much in the present. So proud of the way they have shown their character in the crunch situation. The hype of the tournament was there in the mind. We lack a little experience and exposure. This game was a blessing in disguise. We have a World Cup qualifier happening in Oman and the boys are ready.

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