Former Indian batsman and now commentator VVS Laxman believes Suryakumar Yadav is a great role model for the youngsters. Yadav had to toil hard to earn his maiden call-up after consistent performances in the domestic circuit. The right-hander from Mumbai kept knocking at the selection doors but it was to no avail as he was ignored for the tour of Australia.
However, he was finally able to break the selection door as he was picked for the five-match T20I series against England. SKY, as he is known, had scored 480 runs in 15 innings at an average of 40 in IPL 2020 and a whirlwind strike rate of 145.02. The right-hander has played 47 matches for Mumbai Indians in which he has scored 1416 runs at an average of 35.40 and a strike rate of 135.76 in the IPL.
Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav has been in scintillating form in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy 2021. The right-hander has amassed 332 runs in the five matches he has played, at an impressive average of 66.40 and an excellent strike rate of 151.59.
Laxman noted that a lot of players lose patience and give up on their goals when they are not picked for the national side. However, Yadav didn’t throw in the towel despite multiple rejections and kept his bat do all the talking for him.
VVS Laxan said while talking to Star Sports show Game Plan, “He deserves it. I think he is a great role model for youngsters, especially in India; because they lose patience very quickly — all positive run-getters in first-class cricket expect (themselves) to get into the Indian team, but it is difficult.”
“There is so much quality, so much talent, and so much competition, but what did Suryakumar do? He goes back to first-class cricket, scores runs for Mumbai, whenever he gets an opportunity for Mumbai Indians he is a positive run-getter.”
Laxman lauded Yadav for coming up with consistent performances at the domestic circuit to break into the national side. Laxman feels the 29-year old batsman deserved his chance in the national squad.
“He plays in tough situations and wins the match and that’s what you expect from a player. Ultimately there is a saying which my coach taught me early on, ‘If the selectors are not opening the door, break open the door!’ the only way you can do that is by your performance — we’re not sure if he will get to be in the playing XI but he definitely deserves a spot in the squad of that T20 Indian team.”
The first T20I between India and England will take place at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad on March 12.
