New Delhi, India

India's spin bowling all-rounder Washington Sundar has lauded new T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav for 'having a big heart' as a leader after the visitors stunned Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I, in Pallekele, to inflict a series whitewash. Sundar was referring to Surya's bold and unconventional bowling changes as India restricted Sri Lanka to 137/8 after managing the same score. With the Lankans only needing 9 off the last two overs, Surya gave Rinku Singh the penultimate over and bowled the last six balls to not allow SL go past India's score before winning the game in the Super Over.

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Speaking to the media after the match, Sundar -- who bowled the Super Over and only conceded two runs and dismissed Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka -- lauded Suryakumar's leadership. He stated, "It's amazing of him, amazing of his leadership skills, to be honest. With 12 balls to go and 12 runs (9) needed, he brought in Rinku, especially with Kusal Perera batting, and Rinku got him out. Surya then came in for the last over and won the game for us."

With the pitch being more conducive for slower bowlers, Surya gambled with part-time off-spinner Rinku to bowl the 19th over, with left-hander Kusal Perera still in the middle. He then bowled the final over, conceding just five runs and picking two wickets, to miraculously take the game to the Super Over, where India held their nerves.    

Sundar highlighted Suryakumar's courage and leadership and opined, "We all know he has a big heart when he bats, but he also shows it in his leadership. All credit goes to him; it was amazing."

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Also read: India take series 3-0 against Sri Lanka with super over win in third T20I

He further added, "Surya kept telling us that one or two wickets in the middle overs would change the game, especially in low-scoring matches where even run-a-ball situations can create pressure. I hope the audience enjoyed the game because you don't often see such matches. It feels great to be a part of this kind of game."

Sundar himself had a good run in the low-scoring match. After India were asked to bowl first and they were reeling at 48-5, the left-hander contributed 25 runs in India's 137/9. Later, he also claimed 2 for 23 in SL's run-chase before his heroics in the Super Over. "Honestly, I had no idea I would bowl (the Super Over), but after the batsmen walked out, Surya turned to me and said, 'Washy, you're on.' I was very happy; it's a great opportunity to step up and win the game for my country. Thank God things went well," the 24-year-old concluded.

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Sundar was also the Player-of-the-Series in India's five-match T20I series win (4-1) over Zimbabwe, in the African nation, held early this month.

Apart from Sundar, Rinku, Surya and Ravi Bishnoi also claimed two wickets each as India pulled off a blinder in the final T20I and completed a series whitewash over SL. The visitors already had a 2-0 lead, having won the series opener by 43 runs and the second T20I by seven wickets (DLS method) in Pallekele.

The action will now move onto the three ODIs, which commences on Aug 2 (Friday) with Rohit Sharma to lead India.