9 August 2023, Mumbai: Georgetown (Guyana): Indian batsman Suryakumar Yadav’s admission of his subpar ODI performance comes on the heels of his team’s triumphant seven-wicket victory over West Indies in the third T20I. The dynamic player recognizes his strong suit in T20I cricket, where his explosive style has earned accolades, but he candidly acknowledges his struggles in the ODI arena. Despite this, Yadav remains determined to evolve and capitalize on the faith placed in him by the team’s management. His pivotal innings, coupled with Tilak Varma’s unbeaten 49 not out, propelled India to a resounding win at the Providence Stadium.
Speaking about his ODI numbers
Suryakumar Yadav openly acknowledged their lackluster nature during a press conference. He stressed the importance of honesty and self-improvement, acknowledging his current challenge and expressing his commitment to growth. Drawing inspiration from the guidance of Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid, he emphasized the need to adapt and seize opportunities, especially when batting in the latter stages of the innings.
Renowned for his high-risk
360-degree batting style in T20Is, Suryakumar Yadav has garnered international acclaim for his exceptional performances. With a remarkable average of 45.64 and a strike rate of 174.33 in the format, he stands as the ICC T20I Player of the Year for 2022 and holds the prestigious rank of the number 1 batter globally.
However, his journey in ODIs has been a more challenging one. While he exhibited promise early on, Suryakumar’s recent track record in the format has been less favorable. Having scored only 511 runs at an average of 24.33, his numbers underscore a struggle to replicate his T20I success. Despite an impressive start with two half-centuries in his initial six innings, his performance took a downturn, including a series of disappointments, including three successive golden ducks.
Suryakumar Yadav attributes his comfort in T20Is to the frequency of the format in Indian cricket.
Surya finds the 50-over game more demanding, requiring a diverse approach depending on game situations. Adapting to different phases, whether stabilizing like in Test cricket or adopting a T20 mindset towards the end, poses a unique challenge in ODIs. He is committed to internalizing the team’s guidance and adjusting his approach accordingly, vowing to contribute significantly in the future.
Reflecting on his match-winning performance, Yadav credited his success to an unwavering commitment to his batting style. With confidence, he emphasized that his approach remained consistent, allowing him to express himself on the field. Suryakumar commended Tilak Varma’s maturity in the series, highlighting the young player’s mental fortitude and impressive batting technique.
As India’s victory breathes new life into the series, the team’s focus now shifts to the upcoming matches. With a determined Suryakumar Yadav in their ranks, India looks to capitalize on the momentum and secure a triumphant series outcome.