India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav once again failed to make a substantial impact with the bat in the third T20 International against South Africa, held in Dharamsala. Yadav managed only 12 runs before being dismissed, extending his recent run of low scores despite India securing a seven-wicket victory in the match.
Although the team won comfortably, Yadav’s inability to convert starts into meaningful contributions has emerged as a prominent talking point among fans and commentators.
The dismissal came when Yadav attempted his trademark aggressive shot — a pick-up over the fine leg region — only for it to go in the air and fall into the hands of a fielder. This particular stroke, which has often brought him success in the past, once again drew attention for the wrong reasons.
Gavaskar’s Advice: “Cold Storage” Shot
Legendary former Indian batter Sunil Gavaskar was visibly critical of Yadav’s approach and offered blunt—but constructive—advice. Gavaskar suggested that Yadav should temporarily shelve his favorite shot as long as he is struggling for runs. In his commentary, Gavaskar explained: “Maybe, until he starts to get going, he should look to keep that shot in cold storage,” highlighting that the pick-up has become more of a liability than an asset in Yadav’s current form.
Gavaskar elaborated that while the shot has historically been “very, very productive” for Yadav, its current execution is leading to his downfall rather than helping him score. He urged a more disciplined approach: “Because it’s getting him out and India doesn’t require Suryakumar Yadav scoring only 12 runs,” reinforcing the need for smarter shot selection over flamboyant stroke play during this slump.
Yadav’s Response and Future Outlook
Despite the criticism, Yadav himself acknowledged his scarcity of runs while maintaining a positive outlook. He downplayed concerns about being out of form, stressing that a lean patch does not equate to a deeper crisis. His mindset remains focused on working through the slump, confident that his hard work in the nets will eventually translate into performances on the field.
In summary, while India’s batting has had its share of challenges, particularly in middle and lower order contributions, the spotlight remains on Yadav’s technique and tactical decisions. Gavaskar’s advice to “keep that shot in cold storage” is aimed at helping the captain find stability and rediscover the form that has made him one of India’s premier T20 players.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.