Suryakumar Yadav’s recent performance in the first ODI against Australia marked a significant stride in his ODI career, as he secured a timely half-century. SKY’s candid remarks offer a refreshing departure from the standard cricketing rhetoric of ‘trusting the process’ or ‘playing one’s natural game.’ During the West Indies tour, he openly acknowledged his subpar ODI statistics, a rarity among contemporary cricketers who typically avoid highlighting their weaknesses. However, Surya’s unique approach to the game sets him apart.
As the world’s top-ranked T20 batsman, SKY grappled with adapting his skills to the ODI format, an endeavor that weighed on him emotionally, according to his own admission. In the first ODI in Mohali, Yadav notched a crucial half-century, his third in the format, but one that held profound personal significance. It represented a step towards elevating his 50-over game, which had been a subject of debate regarding his place in India’s World Cup squad.
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Facing Australia, India found themselves at 185/4, having lost four wickets for just 43 runs. This was the moment Suryakumar Yadav stepped in. After several attempts at batting at No. 4, he was given a chance at No. 6. With 17 overs left in the Indian innings, the situation resembled the T20 format, a terrain where Yadav thrives.
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Partnering with stand-in captain KL Rahul, Surya orchestrated an 80-run partnership, effectively batting Australia out of a winning position. He brought the required runs down to 12 off 18 balls before attempting a glory shot and perishing. Although disappointment was evident on his face, marked by a mix of a grimace and a smile, Suryakumar Yadav cherished his innings at the end of the match.
During the post-match presentation ceremony following India’s five-wicket victory over Australia, Yadav shared his sentiments: “That was what I was dreaming of when I started playing this format. Try and bat till the end as much as possible and finish the game for the team. I couldn’t do that today but definitely loving my new role. I have been wondering what has been happening. The colour of the ball is the same. The teams are the same. The bowlers are the same, but I think I was hurrying a bit. I thought, let’s take a little bit more time. Calm myself, take it slowly and try and bat deep.”