'We are here to have fun, not thinking about that' - Suryakumar Yadav reacts on Arjuna Ranatunga's 'second-string' remark

With the main team touring England, a second-string Indian team has travelled to Sri Lanka for a limited-overs series. A few days back Arjuna Ranatunga, the 1996 World Cup-winning Sri Lankan skipper, had slammed the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) for agreeing to play against the second-string team and stated that it is an insult for Sri Lanka. However, Indian batter SuryaKumar Yadav has asserted that the team has not considered his comment at all.

India and Sri Lanka are scheduled to lock horns against each other for three ODIs and as many T20Is kickstarting from July 13. Thus, in a virtual press conference on Tuesday, the Indian batter spoke that the team is focused and is thoroughly going through their regular practice sessions. He also added that the team will enjoy the series and thus they haven’t paid any heed to Ranatunga’s comment.

Yadav further added that the team had a good intra-squad game yesterday and that they are all prepped up to take the challenge that is in store ahead. “We are not thinking about that (Ranatunga’s comment). We are just here to have some fun, enjoy this series completely and take a lot of positives from here.” Suryakumar said.

Suryakumar Yadav on having Rahul Dravid as the coach

Rahul Dravid has taken up the mantle of being the head coach of the Indian side for this tour and his presence will be an instrumental aspect for many youngsters in the side. Opening up on the same, Yadav said that it is a great opportunity to have Rahul Dravid around.

He also added that he has been hearing about Dravid and his approach towards the game ever since and looks forward to it. “But I have heard a lot from many players that he is very calm and composed when it comes to his role. So I am really excited and looking forward to it.”

After having made his mark in the IPL playing for the Mumbai Indians, Suryakumar Yadav received his maiden call up for India against England. He has so far played in three T20Is for India and impressed everyone by playing a 57 runs innings off 37 balls in the second match against the visitors at Ahmedabad.