Former Indian selector Saba Karim reckons Suryakumar Yadav is a mystery. While SKY has performed consistently in the T20I format, he hasn’t been able to embrace the 50-overs version of the game. The right-hander from Mumbai was dismissed for golden ducks in the first two ODIs against Australia.
On both occasions, Yadav was plumbed in front by Australia’s gun fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who got the ball to move back into him from the over-the-wicket angle.
Suryakumar Yadav has failed to grab his opportunities in the ODI format as he has scored only 433 runs in 22 ODI matches at an average of 25.47. However, Indian skipper Rohit Sharma said the players with potential will get a consistent run.
Speaking to India News Sports, Karim explained: “The team management sees Suryakumar Yadav as an option for Shreyas Iyer. I am sure that Iyer will return and be India’s No.4 at the World Cup because he has done really well in that position. Suryakumar is a mystery at the moment. He is at the top in T20Is, how can he not score runs in ODIs? This is why I feel Rohit Sharma wants to give him a few more chances.”
On the other hand, former wicket-keeper bat reckons it is important for India to have some options ready to bat at number four. Shreyas Iyer is currently out with a back injury while Rishabh Pant, who is undergoing recovery, hasn’t also grabbed his chances in the ODI format.
Karim reckons the team can try batters like Rajat Patidar, Sarfaraz Khan and Sanju Samson.
“What other options do we have for the No.4 spot? Sarfaraz Ahmed and Rajat Patidar come to mind, but they are both injured at the moment. We can consider Sanju Samson as an option. It is very important to have a few options ready. But we don’t know if he is fit or not.”
India haven’t been at their best with the bat and they will look to come up with a better batting show in the final ODI of the series, which will be played in Chennai at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on Wednesday.
