Suryakumar Yadav explains bowling Rinku Singh in 19th over versus Sri Lanka

In a nail-biting finish, India clinched a Super Over win against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on Tuesday, securing a T20I series whitewash.

Mohammed Siraj still had an over left, and Shivam Dube was yet to bowl. However, after Khaleel Ahmed's costly 12-ball over, where he conceded 12 runs, reducing Sri Lanka's target to just nine runs in the third T20I at Pallekele, captain Suryakumar Yadav turned to Rinku Singh, who had not bowled in international cricket before.

Yet, Rinku Singh, the off-spinner, claimed two wickets for only three runs, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at six down. Suryakumar himself later took charge, capturing two more wickets on consecutive balls to defend six runs in the final over and secure victory in the Super Over.

Reflecting on the decision to bowl Rinku in the penultimate over, Suryakumar explained that Rinku's right-arm off-spin was well-suited to the conditions, backed by his practice performances throughout the series.

“The decision for the 20th over was easy, the difficult part was for the 19th over. Siraj and few others had their overs left. But I felt Rinku was better suited for that wicket because I have seen him bowling and I made him practice a lot at the nets. I felt it was right and that is why I took that call,” he said.

Responding to queries from former India cricketer Ashish Nehra on why he didn't bowl the 19th over himself, Suryakumar emphasized the strategic match-ups and acknowledged the value of having another bowling option for future T20Is.

“I knew the 19th over has always been difficult for Indian cricket (laughs). That is why I gave the responsibility to Rinku. For a right-hander bowling to a left-hander, it is always difficult for the batter. It was great that he made the best use of his skill and made my work easy because now I have one more bowling option going forward,” he added.

India's focus now shifts to a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka commencing on August 3 in Colombo.