As India gears up for its final bilateral series before the much-anticipated ODI World Cup on home soil, cricket enthusiasts are keeping a close eye on the team’s preparations and player form. Among the focal points of discussion has been the form of Suryakumar Yadav, a talented batter who has been struggling in the One Day International (ODI) format. Despite his recent form slump, Team India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, made it clear that Suryakumar Yadav’s spot in the World Cup squad is secure.
Team India is set to face Australia in a three-match series starting on September 22, serving as their final ODI series before the World Cup. Captain Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have been rested for the first two matches, offering an opportunity to test the team’s bench strength ahead of the global tournament. Suryakumar Yadav, part of the 15-member World Cup squad, is expected to be in the playing XI for the opening match in Mohali.
Suryakumar’s recent struggles in the ODI format have raised questions about his place in the World Cup squad. During India’s previous encounter with Australia in ODIs in March, Suryakumar had a forgettable series, registering three successive ducks. Despite this lean patch, the team management continues to support him, recognizing his potential contribution to the World Cup campaign.
When asked about Suryakumar’s World Cup spot being in jeopardy due to his ongoing poor form, Rahul Dravid emphasized that the squad for the marquee event had already been decided, and Suryakumar Yadav was a part of it. Dravid reiterated the team’s unwavering support for the talented batter and stressed the importance of his role in the middle order.
“I don’t think he needs to worry about the 27th. We have picked our team for the World Cup, and Surya is in it. We made our decision to do that, and we completely back him. We back him because he has got a certain quality and ability that we have seen. Yes, we have seen it at the moment in T20 cricket, but we know the kind of impact a player like him can make, batting at 6,” Dravid stated.
Suryakumar Yadav’s explosive batting and ability to change the course of a game have been on full display in T20 cricket, which has earned him a place in the ODI squad. The team management believes in his potential and remains committed to his development as an ODI cricketer. Dravid confirmed that Suryakumar would have the opportunity to showcase his skills in the upcoming series against Australia, with the hope of regaining his form.
Suryakumar’s recent ODI performances include a brief appearance during the Asia Cup, where he scored 26 runs in a challenging chase against Bangladesh. In the three-match ODI series against the West Indies last month, he contributed scores of 19, 24, and 35. While his recent numbers may not be impressive, Dravid emphasized that the team’s decision to include him in the World Cup squad is based on his T20 exploits and the belief in his potential to excel in the 50-over format.
As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the ODI World Cup 2023, Indian fans will be hoping to see Suryakumar Yadav regain his form and make a significant impact in the middle order. Dravid’s vote of confidence is a reassuring sign for the talented batter, who will have the opportunity to prove his worth and contribute to India’s quest for World Cup glory.