India batter Suryakumar Yadav has impressed one and all with his exploits in the shortest format of the game ever since his debut in 2021.
The dashing right-hander has played 53 T20Is so far, amassing 1841 runs at an average of 46.02 and a remarkable strike rate of 172.70, including three hundreds and 15 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 of now despite getting consistent opportunities. In 26 ODIs, he has scored 511 runs at an average of 24.33 with two fifties.
Ahead of the Asia Cup 2023, Surya said he is determined to “crack the code” of making runs in the game’s “most challenging” format.
“I feel the role which will be given to me, I will try to maintain that role, and if it’s a changed role I will try and do that. But yeah, this is one format which I’m really looking forward to doing well in,” Surya was quoted as saying by Star Sports.
“Everyone is saying that ‘T20 is going good for me, both are white ball cricket but why I am not able to crack the code in the 50-over format’. But, I am doing my practice because according to me, this format is the most challenging one,” he added.
“The reason behind this is because here you have to play like the other three formats. First by setting down with calmness and composure, then rotating the strike well, followed by at last the T20 gameplay,” he further said.
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.
Despite the underwhelming display, the selectors and team management picked him for the Asia Cup 2023, slated to get underway on August 30 in Multan. He will be keen to do well in the continental tournament and strengthen his selection claims for the upcoming ODI World Cup at home.
“The balance is very important in this format, and for that reason, I am doing a lot of practices and also having conversations regarding this with Rahul (Dravid) sir, Rohit bhai, and Virat (Kohli) bhai. Hopefully, with this tournament going forward, I will crack the code,” Surya stated.
“I am just trying to keep my intent and approach the same at least because it’s very important to stick to your approach when you are playing this sport. But I am trying to play with the situation,” he remarked.
India will open their Asia Cup 2023 campaign against arch-rivals Pakistan in Pallekele on September 2.
