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 51 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.
On Tuesday (August 8), Suryakumar Yadav himself acknowledged that his ODI numbers are poor and also revealed that the Indian team management has asked him to face a minimum of 45 to 50 deliveries during the crucial last 15 to 18 overs of the innings.
Surya’s comment came after he scripted India’s seven-wicket victory over West Indies in the third T20I in Guyana with a brutal knock of 83 in just 44 balls.
"My ODI numbers are very poor and there is no shame in accepting that. Being honest is very important because everyone knows that, because we all talk about honesty.
"So it is very important to stay honest about your performance. But what is more important is how to improve that," Suryakumar said at the post-match press conference.
India skipper Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid have also advised him to play the 50-over format more.
"Rohit and Rahul sir have told me that this is the format that I don't play much so you have to play it more and think about it.
"If you are batting in the last 10-15 overs, think what you can do for the team. All we want from you is to play 45-50 ball if you are getting to bat in the 15-18 overs, play your own game. It's in my hand now how to change the responsibility into an opportunity," he 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.
"We have played a lot of T20Is, so it has become a habit. We play T20 regularly, and all we need to do is express ourselves. But we do not play a lot of one-dayers, and ODI is the most challenging format.
"This is because you have to bat as per the situation. For example, if wickets fall early, then you need to spend time in the middle (play like Test cricket), then in the middle play run a ball and then towards the end approach it like a T20 game.
"Now what the team management has told me about that format, I am just trying to apply that in ODIs. Take some time, do as per the team's requirement and play my game towards the end. I will just look to live up to the expectations of the team management and repay their faith.
"But the T20 format you are talking about, we play it regularly, we know the situation, we just have to go out and express ourselves."
According to Surya, the team has good number of matches lined up to prepare for the upcoming ODI World Cup at home.
"We have 7-8 games before the ODI World Cup. It's enough for a team to prepare. We also have a camp before that where all the players will gather. It's important to spend time together, understand strengths and weaknesses. We will try to win hopefully," he remarked.
(With PTI Inputs)
