As cricket enthusiasts eagerly await the ODI World Cup, the cricketing world turns its attention to India, where Team India is set to engage in its final bilateral series before the marquee event. Their opponent: Australia, a formidable force in the world of cricket. The series of three matches kicks off on September 22, promising thrilling encounters.
One notable aspect of this series is the absence of two of India’s cricketing giants, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have been rested for the first two matches. With the ODI World Cup on the horizon, this strategic move allows India to test the depth of its talent pool and evaluate the bench strength.
Among the players vying for a spot in the starting XI, Suryakumar Yadav stands out. He is one of the 15 members selected for the World Cup squad, and the first match against Australia in Mohali provides him with a golden opportunity to make his mark.
Suryakumar has faced challenges in the ODI format this year, particularly in his previous encounter with Australia, where he registered three successive ducks in March. However, despite these struggles, the team management has shown unwavering faith in his abilities.
Team India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, has unequivocally expressed his support for Suryakumar. Dravid clarified that the World Cup squad has already been finalized, and Suryakumar is integral to it.
“We completely back him because he has a certain quality and ability that we have seen,” Dravid affirmed. He emphasized Suryakumar’s potential to be a game-changer, especially when batting at the crucial No.6 position.
Dravid acknowledged that the ongoing T20 performances have showcased Suryakumar’s talent, and the team believes in his ability to significantly impact the ODI format.
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Suryakumar’s journey in recent ODIs has been a bit bumpy. During the Asia Cup, he spent most of his time on the bench, getting just one opportunity against Bangladesh, where he contributed 26 runs in a challenging chase of 267. In the ODI series against West Indies last month, he managed scores of 19, 24, and 35, with an average that may not inspire immediate confidence.
However, as Dravid aptly put it, the management recognizes Suryakumar’s potential and is willing to give him the chance to prove himself. These three matches against Australia are crucial for Suryakumar Yadav’s development as an ODI cricketer.
