Suryakumar admits to 'poor numbers', sets sight on improving ODI game
Cricket
Suryakumar scored only 78 runs in the recently-concluded three-match series in West Indies
(Web Desk) - Suryakumar Yadav has admitted that his numbers in ODI cricket have been poor for a while even though he continues to dominate the T20 circuit.
Despite being ranked No.1 in T20Is in the ICC rankings, Suryakumar has found the going tough in the 50-over format, struggling to fill the void left by the likes of Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul recently.
Suryakumar scored only 78 runs in the recently-concluded three-match series in West Indies and is averaging just 14.11 in ODIs in 2023. "We've played so much T20 cricket now, that we have become habituated to it," Suryakumar said after getting back to his scoring ways in the third T20I against West Indies. "We don't play as much one-day cricket anymore. That's one of the most challenging formats for me, because you need to have different gears. If too many wickets fall early on, you need to start off with a Test cricket-like approach. Then you go at run-a-ball and then take the T20 approach.
"Right now, I'm trying to apply what the team management has told me about ODI cricket. I'm trying to take my time and do what the team requires of me. I'll try to keep the faith that the team has shown in me. In T20 cricket, we know what to do because we play so much of it. You just need to go and express your game."
Initially being asked to bat at No.4, the team management has now been trying to give opportunities to the maverick batter at No.6 in a finishing role in a bid to ensure he faces lesser deliveries, similar to a T20 scenario. "If I'm honest, I know my numbers in one-day cricket are quite poor," he said. "There is no shame in admitting that. We talk about honesty, you need to be honest but it's even more important how you work and improve on it.
"Rohit and Rahul bhai have told me - this is not a format that you play a lot, you need to practice a bit on what can be done for the team. We want you to play 45 to 50 balls. That's the sign from the team management, now that's on me how I want to play my game if I'm batting in the last 15-18 overs. Now, that's in my hand how to make use of this opportunity. I need to bat as per the team requirement."
With his 44-ball 83 helping India pull one back on Tuesday (August 8) in the five-match T20I series, Suryakumar admitted that he didn't do anything to get back amongst the runs and also reserved praise for rising star Tilak Varma, who hit an unbeaten 49 in the chase. "I think he is very clear in his mind," Suryakumar said on Tilak. "Most importantly, he knows his game very well, what he wants to do when he comes into bat and today as well he was very clear. Mentally he is very strong and that's the most important thing when you come to the Indian dressing room and play at this level."
Even though not many predicted India would go 2-0 down early in the series against West Indies, Suryakumar credited the home side and revealed that the visitors were determined to win on Tuesday. "We never start out a series thinking that we will lose," he said. "Standings don't really matter. The team that plays better on the day is all that matters. And we all know how well West Indies play the T20s. They are one of the most dangerous T20 teams. All we wanted to do today was take responsibility, show our character and win the game for India. That's what we thought when we came out to play - not just the 11 of us, but all 15 - that we need to win today's game somehow. That's what we did today, it was fun."
Source: Cricbuzz
