Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav's axe from playing XI did shock him. Still, former Sri Lankan skipper Dinesh Chandimal feels it is a deposition of India's incredible bench strength in limited-overs cricket. With wicketkeeper-opener KL Rahul donning the big gloves and batting at number five, and all-rounder Hardik Pandya an involuntary choice at number six as a pacer, India's 'Mr 360 degree' must wait for his chance despite his unprecedented dramatisation in Twenty20 (T20) cricket.
"Looking at this Indian team, it shows how much strength is there in the bench. I still feel Surya can play in the middle order in this Indian team," Chandimal told PTI in an exclusive chat. For Chandimal, Surya's USP will invariably be his strike rate, and even a cameo of 30 or a brisk 50 from him can change the game's complexion in no time.
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