In the series, Suryakumar managed scores of 12, 5, 12 and 5, raising serious concerns over his form ahead of next year\u2019s T20 World Cup. At the same time, he expressed satisfaction at India\u2019s overall performance in T20Is this year, though he couldn\u2019t score a single fifty.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cMaybe the only thing we couldn\u2019t quite manage was finding \u2018Surya the batter.\u2019 I think he went missing somewhere! But he\u2019ll be back stronger. As a team, I\u2019m really happy. Whenever we were in trouble, someone always put their hand up and pulled us through. As captain, that\u2019s very satisfying,\u201d he said in the post-match presentation ceremony.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Reflecting on the team\u2019s approach in the series win, Suryakumar highlighted the emphasis on consistency and intent. \u201cFrom the start of the series, we wanted to stick to a particular brand of cricket and we did exactly that. We didn\u2019t try to do anything different.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWe wanted to express ourselves in all departments and the results are right there in front of everyone. This is something we felt was missing in our last few series. This is exactly how we wanted to bat, once someone gets going, they don\u2019t stop. We wanted that relentless intent, and today it worked beautifully,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Suryakumar also explained the tactical use of Jasprit Bumrah and praised Washington Sundar\u2019s contribution with the ball upfront. \u201cYes, we wanted to try something different. The plan was to use Bumrah in one over in the powerplay, control the middle phase after drinks and then have him ready for the death overs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cWashi stepped up brilliantly today and took responsibility. We were under pressure at times, we were challenged, but this game is about how you respond and the boys did really well. It\u2019s been challenging but a very good series. We did almost everything we wanted to,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
South Africa skipper Aiden Markram said a chase of 232 always needed perfect things, but felt the experience of playing the T20I series will prove to be valuable in their World Cup preparation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cChasing 232 was always going to need a near-perfect effort. Quinny and the top three set it up really well for us and we were right in the contest. But in the middle overs, we just couldn\u2019t quite maintain that momentum.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cStill, there\u2019s plenty to take away - lessons we\u2019ll learn as a group. With quite a few World Cup games being played here, I\u2019m sure this experience will prove valuable. It was challenging, definitely. We were asked some tough questions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThat\u2019s a good thing because now we have a clearer idea of what\u2019s required if we want to lift the World Cup. We faced a quality Indian side that played really well, and credit to them. But we also looked inward, identified areas to improve, and the lessons we\u2019ve learned over these two weeks are invaluable,\u201d he elaborated.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cStill, there\u2019s plenty to take away - lessons we\u2019ll learn as a group. With quite a few World Cup games being played here, I\u2019m sure this experience will prove valuable. It was challenging, definitely. We were asked some tough questions.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think now we\u2019ve got a lot of answers. Heading into the World Cup, things will definitely be more structured. Whatever we do, it\u2019ll be with one goal in mind - giving ourselves the best chance to lift that trophy.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n