Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has expressed his belief that Suryakumar Yadav possesses the potential to be the “x-factor” for the Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, as they gear up for the upcoming ODI World Cup, to be held on home soil next month.
Suryakumar showcased his batting prowess in the first ODI against Australia in Mohali, where he played an impeccable innings, scoring 50 runs off just 49 balls, including five boundaries and a six.
This remarkable performance marked the end of a 21-match dry spell for Suryakumar in the 50-over format, drawing praise and admiration from Sehwag, who emphasized that only a select few batters can instill fear in the opposition’s minds.
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag has expressed his belief that Suryakumar Yadav possesses the potential to be the “x-factor” for the Indian cricket team, led by Rohit Sharma, as they gear up for the upcoming ODI World Cup, to be held on home soil next month.
Suryakumar showcased his batting prowess in the first ODI against Australia in Mohali, where he played an impeccable innings, scoring 50 runs off just 49 balls, including five boundaries and a six.
This remarkable performance marked the end of a 21-match dry spell for Suryakumar in the 50-over format, drawing praise and admiration from Sehwag, who emphasized that only a select few batters can instill fear in the opposition’s minds.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Sehwag shared his delight for Suryakumar’s accomplishment and referred to him as the “ex-factor.”
Watch the Post Here:
Happy for @surya_14kumar .
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 22, 2023
He is surely an ex-factor . Not many players have the ability to play in the gear that he can and he surely has the game to create fear in the minds of opposition. Great that we have persisted with him and he will be an asset. Congratulations Bharat. pic.twitter.com/rxe3oVAXeO
He acknowledged the unique ability Suryakumar possesses to shift gears effortlessly in his batting and acknowledged that he has the potential to strike fear into the hearts of the opposition.
Sehwag also lauded the team’s decision to persist with Suryakumar, emphasizing that he will be a valuable asset to the squad.
Suryakumar’s contribution was pivotal to India’s success in the match, complemented by a century partnership forged by the opening duo of Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad, along with a stellar bowling performance by Mohammed Shami, who claimed a five-wicket haul.
In the initial phase of the match, India elected to field after winning the toss, putting Australia to bat first. David Warner led the charge for the visitors, accumulating 52 runs from 53 deliveries, which included six boundaries and two sixes.
He was well-supported by Josh Inglis, who contributed 45 runs from 45 balls, featuring three fours and two sixes.
Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne also chipped in with valuable runs, scoring 41 and 39 runs, respectively, bolstering Australia’s total to 276 runs for the loss of eight wickets in their allotted 50 overs. The Indian bowling attack was spearheaded by Mohammed Shami, who delivered a remarkable performance, claiming five wickets while conceding 51 runs.
Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, and Jasprit Bumrah also contributed to the wickets column with one dismissal each.
Chasing a target of 277 runs for victory, India’s opening partnership between Ruturaj Gaikwad, who scored 71 runs from 77 balls with ten fours, and Shubman Gill, who contributed 74 runs from 63 balls, featuring six fours and two sixes, set the tone for the successful run chase.
Skipper KL Rahul also played a significant role, remaining unbeaten with 58 runs from 63 balls, including four boundaries and a six. Suryakumar Yadav continued his impressive form, adding 50 runs from 49 balls to the total, comprising five fours and a six.
These strong individual performances enabled India to achieve a comfortable five-wicket victory with eight balls to spare, marking a memorable start to their ODI series against Australia.
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