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.
With the 2023 ODI World Cup around the corner, former India cricketer-turned-commentator Sanjay Manjrekar has termed Suryakumar Yadav “a big temptation”.
According to Manjrekar, deciding on Surya’s selection is “one loose end” the hosts will need to tie up before the quadrennial event.
“I think most issues seem to address that the batter is in pretty good form. India of course have to ponder on the Suryakumar Yadav case because 50 overs cricket is not quite making the same impact but he will be such a big temptation on a big stage when he walks in with just 15-17 overs left in the innings, can be a game changer,” Manjrekar said while speaking to Star Sports.
“So that is an issue India need to sort of finalise whether they want, Suryakumar Yadav, so that is one loose end they need to tie,” he added.
Manjrekar also opined that all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be required to bowl a lot if India are to do well in the showpiece tournament.
“Hardik Pandya’s form is a little bit of concern, his bowling because you will have to do a lot of physical work in the World Cup because you need him as the all-rounder not just a batter so at least 6-7 over per innings is what is expected from him.
“When India won the world in 2011, it was because of people like Suresh Raina and Yuvraj Singh pure batters who bowled a bit, so Hardik Pandya’s bowling is very important,” he remarked.
Sanjay Manjrekar also highlighted the significance of the spin department in Indian team.
“I guess in the spin department Chahal needs to rise to the occasion in the 50 overs format to get those crucial wickets along with Kuldeep Yadav because Jadeja will be your containment bowler.
“I think the same department is always going to be a bit of gamble with all teams considering the pitches and sizes of the grounds in India."
(With PTI Inputs)
