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Cricket, as they say, is a game of uncertainties. It can elevate a player to the pinnacle of success or challenge them to overcome the deepest of valleys. Suryakumar Yadav, the burgeoning star of Indian cricket, has embarked on a remarkable journey filled with ups and downs in the world of One-Day Internationals (ODIs).
With the spotlight shining ever so brightly on him, Suryakumar has found himself under scrutiny for his performances in ODIs. His current average of 24.33 across 26 ODIs might not scream consistency, but his strike rate of 101.38 is a testament to his explosive batting prowess. Recent outings in the West Indies saw him notch scores of 19, 24, and 35, yet these numbers barely scratch the surface of his struggle.
His ODI journey took a formidable hit when he faced the daunting challenge of three consecutive first-ball ducks against Australia in March. The cricketing world gasped in disbelief, but Suryakumar took this adversity as an opportunity for self-discovery and growth.
Reacting on his lean patch in the 50-over format, Surya mentioned he is actively trying to implement the guidance and instructions given to him by the team management and is focused on adopting a patient and calculated approach.
“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. 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,” said Suryakumar Yadav following his match-winning half-century in the 3rd T20I against West Indies.
“My numbers in ODIs are really bad, and there’s no shame in admitting that”: Suryakumar
Suryakumar then went on to emphasize that there is no shame in admitting these challenges, as they are already widely recognized by others. He further delves into the process of improvement and the guidance he has received from cricketing legends Rohit Sharma and Rahul Dravid. They have advised him to approach his situation pragmatically. Given that Suryakumar doesn’t have extensive experience in playing ODIs, they’ve encouraged him to focus on practice and introspection.
“If I am honest with myself, my numbers in ODIs are really bad. And there’s no shame in admitting that; everyone knows that already. You need to be honest with yourself; but then, getting better is also important. That is what Rohit [Sharma] and Rahul [Dravid] sir have told me that because I don’t play a lot of ODIs, I need to practice and think as to what I can do. I can take my time, and if I happen to be at the crease in the last 10-15 overs, then I need to think for myself as to what I can do for the team. They have told me that all they want me to do is face 45-50 balls in an innings. They have told that I can play my game during my stay at the crease, just that I need to face that many balls if I get to bat in the last 15-18 overs,” added Surya.
