After a succesfull Test series, Team India will kick-off the preparation for the World Cup 2023 with IND vs WI ODI series. While selectors will have their keen eyes on few players, one player who will be under heavy spotlight is Suryakumar Yadav.
With just over two months to go for the ODI World Cup 2023, the clock is ticking for Suryakumar Yadav. The IND vs WI series is his last chance to put all doubts regarding his World Cup spot to bed.
Different format, Different form!
‘Ridiculous’, ‘Out of this world’, ‘GOD-mode’, ‘Cheat-Code’, are some of the terms that are considered synonyms for Suryakumar Yadav’s batting in T20s. Scoop, Ramp, Cut all shots evolves like Pokemons in Suryakumar’s ‘T20 go’ game.
However, ‘Conscious’, ‘Over-attacking’, and ‘Casual’, are some of the other terms that are considered synonyms for Suryakumar Yadav’s batting in ODIs.
SKY’s T2OI vs ODI form – In Numbers
Suryakumar has dazzled everyone with his fearless and flamboyant strokeplay in T20Is but has not been able to replicate his superhuman T20 form in 50-over format and the stats prove that.
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | Fifties |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20 | 48 | 1675 | 46.52 | 175.76 | – |
| ODI | 23 | 433 | 24.05 | 102.12 | 2 |
Also Read: IND vs WI Head to Head: India looking to Extend Dominance Over West Indies in 1st ODI
Make or Break series for SKY
This is why the upcoming three-match ODI series against West Indies, starting from July 27 in Antigua, is crucial for Suryakumar’s World Cup 2023 aspirations.
A glimpse of T20I Suryakumar Yadav in the 3-match ODI series will most certainly seal his place for the ODI World Cup. However, if the 32-year-old fails yet again, doubts over his place in the World Cup squad will start creeping in.
SKY vs Shreyas/KL Rahul!
Suryakumar has a golden opportunity to cement the number four spot in India’s batting line-up with the IND vs WI ODIs. He will have to prove that he can bat with the same flair and finesse that he does in T20Is, but also with more maturity and consistency.
However, Suryakumar will face stiff competition from the likes of KL Rahul, and Shreyas Iyer, who are vying for a place in India’s middle order. He will also have to impress the captain Rohit Sharma and the team management, who have indicated that they will prefer players who have performed well in ODIs over those who have done well in other formats.
There is not an ounce of doubt that Suryakumar has the talent and the temperament to succeed in ODIs. He has shown glimpses of his brilliance in the past, such as his 64 off 43 balls against England in Pune earlier this year. However, the selectors is likely to pick form over skills for the mega event.
If Suryakumar can do that, he can be a game-changer for India in the World Cup 2023, which will be held at home. He can be a versatile option, who can bat at different positions according to the situation.
Suryakumar Yadav has all the shots in the book, and some that are not. He just needs to show that he can play them at the right time and place. And the West Indies series is his chance to do that.
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