For a batter who has scored runs for fun in T20s, it’s hard to fathom ODI or 50-over format is a difficult one. But Suryakumar Yadav is stuck in a loop of his own explosive style. But with immense backing from Rahul Dravid and Rohit Sharma, SKY continues to be the X-factor. However, the Mumbaikar knows, he has to crack the ODI code which he considers the toughest ahead of Asia Cup 2023. And he is working on that at India’s Asia Cup camp in Alur, near Bengaluru.
To note, SKY has been struggling in the 50-over format till now. However, the dynamic batter might be India’s answer for the No.4 spot. Ahead of the marquee event, Yadav has said that he will try to improve in the ODI format without changing his approach.
“I am hoping that I can crack the ODI format soon, I have been talking with Rahul sir, Rohit, Virat a lot for getting better in ODI,” Suryakumar Yadav said at an interview with Star Sports.
Same approach, different mindset for Suryakumar Yadav
The problem with SKY has been pacing his innings. He has tried to use the same T20 template in ODIs batting at No 4, No 5 or No 6. But it has not worked out. While he should have been rotating strikes and depend on singles and doubles, he has tried to take the attacking route. But against older and softer balls, it has not worked out even on the best of pitches.
At India’s Asia Cup camp, he is working on pacing his innings. In match simulations, he has been rotating strikes more often than hitting everything out of the park.
“I’ve talked to Rohit Bhai, Virat bhai and Rahul Bhai. I’ll try to improve in the ODI format without changing my approach,” he added.
Speaking about Yadav’s numbers in ODI format, the 32-year-old has played 24 innings and stroked 511 runs at an average of 24.33. His strike rate is above 100 but has managed to stroke just two fifties till now.
The right-handed batter has the ability to change the complexion of the match within a few overs and that might be one of the reasons of him being picked over Sanju Samson who has performed well in the 50-over format as compared to Surya.
As mentioned above, team India is currently in Alur and will soon depart for Sri Lanka to take on the arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening match of the Asia Cup 2023. The clash will take place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on September 2. The Men in Blue are slated to take on Nepal in their second match of the tournament on September 4 at the same venue.
India Squad for Asia Cup 2023: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, KL Rahul, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya (VC), Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohd.
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