Suryakumar, who is world No 1 T20 batter, was given chances to cement his place at No 4 slot in India’s ODI batting line-up in absence of regulars like Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul. But he failed to deliver as per the expectations of the team management.
During India’s last ODI series in the Caribbean, Suryakumar was pushed down to No 6 and with the preferred No 4 choice Shreyas Iyer returning to the national team for the Asia Cup, it is possible that ‘Sky’ would have to bat lower down the order.
The 32-year-old Yadav is a part of the 18-member squad for the Asia Cup and looks set to make the World Cup team too, but he will have to capitalise on his opportunities.
“I feel the role which will be given to me, I will try to maintain that role, and if it’s a changed role I will try and do that. But yeah, this is one format which I’m really looking forward to doing well in,” Suryakumar Yadav was quoted as saying by Star Sports.
“Everyone is saying that ‘T20 is going well for me, both are white ball cricket but why am I not able to crack the code in the 50-over format’. But, I am doing my practice because according to me, this format is the most challenging one,” he added.
Suryakumar highlighted his outlook for ODI cricket while admitting that balance is key in the 50-overs format.
“The reason behind this is because here you have to play like the other three formats. First by setting down with calmness and composure, then rotating the strike well, followed by at last the T20 gameplay,” he said.
“Balance is very important in this format, and for that reason, I am doing a lot of practice and also having conversations regarding this with Rahul (Dravid) sir, Rohit bhai, and Virat (Kohli) bhai. Hopefully, with this tournament going forward, I will crack the code.
I am just trying to keep my intent and approach the same at least because it’s very important to stick to your approach when you are playing this sport. But I am trying to play with the situation,” he added.
The right-hander batter also mentioned that he always remains in his “top gear”.
“I always remain in top gear. I always feel excited when I am in the dugout because I eagerly wait for the time when I will go to bat. Also, if I get dismissed on the first ball, still I have no problem because my preparation and excitement inside the dugout remain the same,” Suryakumar said.
“My heart rate becomes high when a wicket falls every time, thus I always run into the crease because I feel good when my heart rate is high,” he concluded.
