The upcoming three-match IND vs AUS ODI series, starting with the first game scheduled for September 22 in Mohali, presents a crucial test for Suryakumar Yadav. The 33-year-old finds himself under significant scrutiny, tasked with the challenge of delivering a match-defining innings to validate his inclusion in the World Cup squad and firmly cement his standing in India’s ODI team.
The team’s management has exhibited considerable confidence in him, seeking to translate his explosive prowess from T20Is and transplant it into the 50-over format. However, Suryakumar Yadav has, thus far, struggled to meet these high expectations when it comes to one-day cricket.
In the recent Asia Cup Super Four encounter against Bangladesh, the Mumbai Indians batter showed promise but failed to capitalize on his start, managing only a 34-ball 26. What has raised eyebrows, even more, is the manner in which he was dismissed—employing one too many sweep shots, which are often risky on surfaces that offer grip and turn.
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Suryakumar Yadav’s previous outing against Australia earlier this year during their tour of India was far from memorable, as he recorded three consecutive ducks in the three-match ODI series. While in-form players like KL Rahul and Ishan Kishan might offer some consolation to the team’s think-tank, there’s no denying that Suryakumar needs to make a significant impact sooner rather than later if he intends to keep his ODI aspirations alive and thriving.
Although the management may not be contemplating immediate alterations to their World Cup squad at this juncture, they do possess the flexibility to reconsider their choices until September 27, giving due consideration to all available alternatives.
India squad for Australia (1st & 2nd ODIs): KL Rahul (C & WK), Ravindra Jadeja (VC), Ruturaj Gaikwad, Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Shardul Thakur, Washington Sundar, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna (1st & 2nd ODI)
For 3rd ODI: Rohit Sharma (C), Hardik Pandya (VC), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, KL Rahul (WK), Ishan Kishan (WK), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel (subject to fitness), Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, R Ashwin, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj
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