In an exclusive interview with Star Sports on Follow the Blues LIVE, former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar shared his invaluable insights into Suryakumar Yadav’s performance in ODI cricket. These insights not only provide a glimpse into the intricate world of cricket strategy but also underscore the nuances of Yadav’s evolving game as he navigates the middle overs.
One of the key challenges discussed by Bangar is the quest for boundaries during the middle overs, where the game’s dynamics change significantly. He noted, “Boundaries don’t come that easily in the middle part of the innings. When three or four wickets go, then how do you find the boundaries is the big problem because the ball becomes old?”
In the limited-overs format, the ball’s condition plays a crucial role, and finding ways to consistently score runs amidst this challenge is essential.
Bangar acknowledged Suryakumar Yadav’s boundary-hitting prowess and his ability to target specific areas on the field. However, he emphasised that Yadav needs to refine his approach between the 25th and the 40th over.
“He can play as he does in the T20 format, but if wickets fall, he needs to find out how to rotate strike…and find his own method to score runs,” Bangar explained. This period of the innings demands adaptability and a unique strategy.
Regarding Yadav’s inclusion in the playing eleven for upcoming tournaments such as the Asia Cup and the World Cup, Bangar stressed the significance of maintaining a balanced and effective lineup. He stated, “According to me, if the team has an opening where he can play, he definitely should.” However, he cautioned against making changes to the starting eleven solely to provide game time for a specific player. Bangar believes in selecting a lineup that ensures the right combinations and maximizes the impact of the chosen players.
Suryakumar Yadav’s journey in ODI cricket is a testament to the evolving nature of the sport. Sanjay Bangar’s insights shed light on the challenges faced by modern-day batsmen during the middle overs and the need for adaptability.
While Yadav’s boundary-hitting prowess is evident, he must continue to refine his game to excel in this critical phase of the innings. As the team prepares for upcoming tournaments, a balanced and effective lineup remains paramount, ensuring that players contribute significantly to their fullest potential.
