Suryakumar Yadav's omission from starting XI highlights India's bench strength, says former Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal

Suryakumar Yadav's omission from playing XI did surprise him but former Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal also feels that it is a testimony to India's tremendous bench strength in white ball cricket. With KL Rahul donning the big gloves at No. 5 and Hardik Pandya an automatic choice at No. 6 as the pace bowling all-rounder, India's one and only 'Mr 360 degree' will have to wait for his turn despite his phenomenal show in 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, who will be playing for Desert Vipers in the inaugural ILT20, told PTI in an exclusive interaction.

Surya a game changer

For Chandimal, Surya's USP will always be his strike rate and even a cameo of 30 or quick half-century from him can change the complexion of the game in no time.

"He is different to other batters. You need a guy like him in the middle-order. He can change the game by just scoring 30 to 50 runs. Opposition team can be frustrated with the speed at which he scores. I still feel he should play in ODIs," said Chandimal, whose Test match winning hundred at Galle, will forever remain a nightmare for Indian fans.

Having already lost the series 0-2, Chandimal wants Dasun Shanaka and his boys to play positive cricket.

"It is tough to play India in India but they should play positively in every department.".

India have already sealed the series 2-0 and will look to experiment with their starting XI in the 3rd ODI at Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday.