Suryakumar Yadav thanks Harbhajan Singh for motivating him through "constructive criticism" 

Harbhajan has urged Yadav to keep working harder and soon earn India call-up.

Suryakumar Yadav | IANS

Mumbai batsman Suryakumar Yadav has had veteran off-spinner Harbhajan Singh motivating him throughout his career. Harbhajan has pushed Yadav to keep working harder on his game and continue getting better as he strives to put on the Indian team jersey one day. 

"When I left Mumbai Indians and went to Kolkata Knight Riders [in the 2014 auction], he was always behind me.' Why are you not playing for India? You are not doing justice to your talent. I think it's high time you become a little more consistent'," ESPNCricinfo quoted Yadav as saying.

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"There was a lot of what you can call constructive criticism. I really enjoyed it. I could feel he wants me to go ahead and play for the country, which was the best thing." 

Yadav thanked his "Bhajju pa" for tweeting for him when he scored a 31-ball 81 against Chhattisgarh in Vijay Hazare Trophy on September 28.

"Knowing he tweeted, I was really happy. I called him and told him, 'Thank you so much Bhajju pa for tweeting for me. It means a lot that you tweeted'. He keeps motivating me, keeps pushing me, because he feels I'm not doing justice to my talent," he added. 

If he keeps performing, Yadav could be in line for an India debut soon as the senior team management trials and tests options leading upto next year's T20 World Cup in Australia. 

"Well, currently I'm just enjoying the brand of cricket I am playing. I have always loved playing fearless cricket, for any format. So, instead of thinking of 'justice' or 'injustice', I feel rather I should enjoy my cricket more, keep scoring runs, keep winning games," he replied to the query whether he feels he is doing justice to his talent. 

"That will help me more to push the door and play for India. My father always checks all the websites any time an India A team is announced."

"He calls me as soon as he sees it, and tells me 'your name is not there'. I tell him that's not a problem. The most important thing I feel is that you have to score so much that you force them to pick you," Yadav added. 

(Inputs from ESPNcricinfo)

 
 

By Kashish Chadha - 13 Nov, 2019

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