Suryakumar Yadav defended the management's call to send Axar Patel over him in the second T20I of the five-match series between India and South Africa. Axar had not batted at No. 3 in his previous 51 T20I innings prior to the contest in Mullanpur on December 11.
Suryakumar linked Axar's performances across formats as the reason behind his promotion. He also credited the manner in which the opposition bowled during the second innings.
Meanwhile, thr Axar move did not pay off, as he was dismissed for a run-a-ball 21. Suryakumar departed for just five off four as India got bowled out for 162 in 19.1 overs, falling short by 51 runs as the Aiden Markram-led unit levelled the series.
