Star India batter Suryakumar Yadav mentioned his regular communication with captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and former captain Virat Kohli. Suryakumar is a bold and stylish player with his shot selection. He’s versatile, often compared to this generation’s AB de Villiers, known for his innovation. However, his performance in ODIs doesn’t match his T20 brilliance.
This year, he’s already hit two centuries – one for India and one for Mumbai Indians in the IPL. He’s scored 433 runs in 11 T20Is in 2023, potentially replicating his past success. Yet, his ODI record is worrisome, with only 511 runs in 26 matches. Notably, he faced three consecutive golden ducks against Australia before the IPL.
During the West Indies T20Is, where he notched 83 and 61, Suryakumar Yadav openly acknowledged his underwhelming ODI performance – a rarity among contemporary players. However, he’s determined to overcome this challenge ahead of the 2023 Asia Cup.
“I will try and perform the role assigned to me. This is one format I am really looking to do well. Everyone keeps saying that my T20 is going well but why can’t I crack the ODI code? That’s the exact word but I am practicing. I feel this is the most challenging format. You need to play all three formats in one – first with patience, then strike rotation and hit towards the end like T20 type,” Suryakumar Yadav said on the ‘Follow the Blues’ Show on Star Sports.
The 32-year-old player mentioned his continuous communication with captain Rohit Sharma, head coach Rahul Dravid, and former captain Virat Kohli. He added:
“I have been speaking with Rahul sir, Rohit, and Virat so hopefully I will ‘crack this code’ starting this tournament. At least I am trying to maintain the same intent and approach. That shouldn’t change, but I’m trying to play more according to the situation. For example, if I am coming to bat in the 30th over, I can’t play like a T20I.”
‘I always play in top gear’: Suryakumar Yadav’s formula for achieving success
Suryakumar Yadav’s significant role in the team is evident from his inclusion in India’s 17-member squad for the Asia Cup. With KL Rahul and Shreyas Iyer returning to solidify the No. 4 and No. 5 positions, India might have finally found solutions to their persistent middle-order issues.
Despite surpassing Sanju Samson for a spot in the squad, Suryakumar is likely to wait for his turn in the ODI lineup. However, he’s unwavering in his determination to maintain his unique playing style, even if circumstances dictate otherwise.
“I always play in top gear. I am always excited when waiting for my turn to bat. Even if I get out the first ball, it’s fine, but my preparation in the dugout and my planning make my heart-rate go high. You must have seen whenever a wicket falls, I run out to the middle. It’s because I like that because I feel that if my heart rate is already high, it is the best time for me to hit my stride. And then when I hit a couple of boundaries and get some runs, then I feel like yes, this is my day and I’m in the zone,” concluded Suryakumar Yadav.
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