Suryakumar Yadav averages 24.33 in ODIs after playing 26 matches.
The dashing right-hander has played 52 T20Is so far, amassing 1780 runs at an average of 45.64 and a remarkable strike rate of 174.33, including three hundreds and 14 half-centuries. He also won the ICC Men’s T20I Player of the Year award for his brilliance in the shortest format last year.
However, Suryakumar has failed to make a mark in the 50-over format as yet despite getting consistent opportunities. In 26 ODIs, he has scored 511 runs at an average of 24.33 with two fifties.
Ahead of the fourth T20I against West Indies in Florida on Saturday (August 12), Surya emphasized the need to confront the reality of his poor numbers in the ODI format rather than evading them.
"Whenever I score runs if the team is winning, I'm happy. You got to be honest with yourself. You can't hide behind the bush (on lack of runs in ODIs). At the same time, I am not thinking too much about what's going to happen ahead, thinking about this series," he said in a pre-match chat with the broadcasters.
During the recently held ODI series against the West Indies, Suryakumar Yadav failed to make the most of the opportunities as he registered scores of 19, 24 and 35 in three matches.
However, Surya continued his brilliance in T20Is. He played a match-winning knock of 44-ball 83 in the third T20I to script India’s comeback in the five-match series.
During his whirlwind knock, Yadav shared an 87-run stand with Tilak Varma, who remained unbeaten on 49.
Reflecting on his partnership with Varma, also his teammate at Mumbai Indians in the IPL, Suryakumar said, "I've really enjoyed batting with him (Tilak Varma). We share a very good bond off the field. We spend a lot of time, going for dinners, chatting, etc. That camaraderie is very good for the team."
(With IANS Inputs)