Suryakumar Yadav faced a tough time in the ODI series against Australia, facing consecutive golden ducks in the first two games of the series. In both matches, the 32-year-old was dismissed in a similar manner, getting caught leg before wicket by Australia’s top paceman, Mitchell Starc. With queries being raised about his position in the team, skipper Rohit Sharma has addressed the issue and supported the batsman, stating that he requires more opportunities to demonstrate his capabilities.
“We don’t know when (Shreyas) Iyer will return. We have to play him right now because there is a spot open (Suryakumar). He has clearly demonstrated a lot of potential with the white ball, and I have stated many times before that guys with potential will be given some run “said Rohit in the post-match press conference following India’s humiliating 10-wicket loss to Australia in Vizag.
“Of course, he is aware of what he must do while playing the game in a slightly longer format. I believe things are present in his mind as well. As I previously stated, guys with potential will have enough run that they should not feel that way. Okay, you’re aware that I wasn’t given enough opportunities in that particular slot, “The Indian captain went on to say.
While the World No.1 T20I batter’s ODI record is being scrutinised, Rohit has stated that Suryakumar understands the importance of performing in the longer formats of the game. The captain emphasised that the batter has had a brief stint in the lineup and has only appeared due to injuries. The team management, according to Rohit, is not looking to replace Suryakumar in the squad at the moment, and the batter will have a longer rope to walk before his ODI performances are judged. However, his place in the squad is in doubt due to the absence of Shreyas Iyer due to injury and the absence of Sanju Samson despite his excellent record in the format.
“Yes, he got out in the last two games and the series before that, but he needs that consistent run, like back-to-back games, 7-8 or 10 games like that, so he feels more at ease. Right now, he has taken over when someone has been injured or is unavailable. We can look at your performance as management when you give that consistent run and you feel like, okay, the runs aren’t coming and (he’s) not looking comfortable. Then we’ll begin to consider it. We have not yet taken that path “Rohit continued.
Despite his poor performance in the series, Suryakumar is unlikely to be dropped for the series finale against Australia on March 22 in Chennai. This will be India’s final international match before the Indian Premier League’s 2023 season (IPL). In summary, Suryakumar Yadav’s struggles in the ODI series have continued, and questions about his place in the squad have been raised. Rohit Sharma, on the other hand, has defended the batter, claiming that he needs more time to prove himself in the format and that he will not be dropped for the series finale against Australia.
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