Suryakumar Yadav, India’s explosive player and world’s top-ranked T20I batter, is currently struggling to regain his form in ODI. He was dismissed for two consecutive golden ducks in the first two matches of India’s three-game 50-over series against Australia. It’s worth noting that the right-handed batsman was dismissed by star Aussie fast bowler Mitchell Starc in both games.
After winning the opening game, India suffered an embarrassing 10-wicket loss to Australia in the second match. Starc played a crucial role in helping the visitors level the series 1-1 and make a strong comeback in Visakhapatnam. The 33-year-old paceman claimed five wickets in the game, adding to the three wickets he had taken in the series opener. After India’s crushing defeat, concerns were raised about Suryakumar Yadav’s dismal ODI batting display. Cricket fans began to question his poor performance. Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer shared his thoughts on the matter during an interview with ESPN Cricinfo. He stated that while Mitchell Starc bowled exceptionally well, the Mumbai batsman should have been better prepared for his bowling.
“We might sympathize with Suryakumar Yadav as the first ball that he faced was of 145 clicks. No doubt that it’s challenging when a left-arm seamer tries to bring the ball back in. Again, he should have anticipated that when Mitchell Starc bowls, he will attack the stumps and might swing the ball,” said Jaffer.
Sanju should be given chance in ODI
The 45-year-old cricketer further insisted that in the absence of injured Shreyas Iyer and considering Surya’s bad form, Sanju Samson should be given a chance in India’s ODI set-up based on his past performances.
“We have to see if the management sticks with him in the third ODI otherwise it’s not a bad option to give Sanju Samson a chance because he has played well when given the opportunity and he is a good player,” he added.
Talking about Samson’s ODI career, the Kerala cricketer has so far played 11 ODIs for India and has 330 runs at an average of 66. Meanwhile, Suryakumar managed to score only 110 runs in his last nine 50-over matches. However, Rohit Sharma had backed Suryakumar in the post-match press conference after the Visakhapatnam game and said
“We don’t know about Iyer’s return. So, at this point in time, there is a spot available. So we have to play him (Suryakumar). He has shown a lot of potential with the white-ball. I have said it many a times before, guys with potential will be given a run.”
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