Suryakumar Yadav is now focused on translating his T20 success into the longer format of the game. Known for his innovative strokeplay and consistency in white-ball cricket, the right-handed batter has struggled to secure a permanent spot in India’s Test team.
However, with a series of red-ball matches lined up, including the prestigious Buchi Babu tournament and the Duleep Trophy, Suryakumar is determined to make his mark and earn a place in India’s Test squad ahead of the upcoming home season.
Despite boasting extensive experience in first-class cricket, with 82 matches under his belt since his debut for Mumbai in 2010, Suryakumar has only managed one Test appearance so far.
His lone outing came during the 2023 Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia, where he scored eight runs in a solitary innings. The intense competition for middle-order slots in the Indian Test team, coupled with Suryakumar’s inability to replicate his short-format success in red-ball cricket, has kept him on the fringes of selection.
Suryakumar featured in the previous edition of the Duleep Trophy but failed to make a significant impact as West Zone lost the final to South Zone. Now, as he prepares to participate in the upcoming Duleep Trophy, he is more determined than ever to prove his mettle in the longer format.
In an interview with Sportstar, Suryakumar emphasized his enduring passion for red-ball cricket, stating, “Red-ball cricket has always been my priority. When I grew up in the maidans of Mumbai and played a lot of local cricket, I started playing with the red cherry. The love for the longest format began there and has always been there. I’ve taken part in a lot of first-class matches for more than 10 years now, and I still cherish playing this format. There’s no question about it, and that’s why I’m here before the Duleep Trophy.”
Suryakumar’s desire to represent India across all formats is no secret. His rapid rise in T20 cricket, where he has become a key figure and even been promoted to captaincy, is a testament to his standing within the Indian team.
However, to break into the Test side, he knows he must consistently deliver strong performances in red-ball cricket. With the Indian Test middle-order featuring stalwarts like KL Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Rishabh Pant, and emerging talents like Sarfaraz Khan, the competition is fierce.
Speaking about his ambitions, Suryakumar said, “There are a lot of people who have worked really hard to earn their place, and even I want to earn that spot again. I made my debut for India in Tests. After that, I got injured as well. There were a lot of people who got an opportunity and have done well too. They deserve that opportunity right now.”
Suryakumar has been included in Team C for the 2024 Duleep Trophy, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, where he aims to stake his claim for a Test spot. “Going forward, if I have to play, then I’ll automatically play. That’s not in my control. What’s in my power right now is to play the Buchi Babu tournament, go on to play Duleep Trophy and then see what happens,” he added.
With a formidable record of 5,628 runs in red-ball cricket at an average of 43.62, including 14 centuries, Suryakumar has the experience and ability to succeed at the highest level. As he embarks on this critical phase of his career, all eyes will be on his performances in the upcoming tournaments. A strong showing could not only resurrect his Test ambitions but also add another chapter to his already illustrious career.
