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As the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the ICC ODI World Cup 2023, former Indian opener Virender Sehwag has weighed in on the ongoing series between India and Australia, identifying a player he believes is surely an ‘X-factor’ for India and can create fear in the minds of opposition.
India locked horns with Australia in the first ODI of the three-match ODI series at the Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium, Mohali on Friday, September 22. With this leg, both teams are aiming to fine-tune their strategies and lineups before the central tournament kicks off in India from October 5.
‘Great that we have persisted with him and he will be an asset’: Sehwag
Former Indian opener Virender Sehwag, renowned for his aggressive style of play during his illustrious career, has singled out a player who he believes could make a significant impact on India’s World Cup campaign.
Taking to Twitter after India’s clinical win over Australia last night, Sehwag stated, “Happy for @surya_14kumar. He is surely an ex-factor. Not many players have the ability to play in the gear that he can and he surely has the game to create fear in the minds of opposition. Great that we have persisted with him and he will be an asset. Congratulations Bharat.”
Suryakumar Yadav, known for his aggressive batting and innovative stroke play, smashed his third ODI half-century against Australia and stitched an 80-run partnership with stand-in captain KL Rahul for the fifty wicket.
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On the back of Surya’s 49-ball 50 and Rahul’s unbeaten 58 off 63, India chased down the 277-run target in 48.4 overs with five wickets in hand.
“I was dreaming of this type of innings when I started playing this format”: Suryakumar
After guiding his team to victory, Suryakumar revealed that he was dreaming of play such type of an innings since he made his ODI debut.
In 28 ODIs thus far, Suryakumar has scored 587 runs at an average of 25.52 and a strike-rate of 100.
“I was dreaming of this type of innings when I started playing this format. I tried to bat deep and finish the game, unfortunately could not do it today but very happy with the result. I had been wondering what had been happening for me in this format, the teams and bowlers were the same. I went back and reflected and realized I was probably rushing things a bit so I decided to play slower and take it deep. I think it is the first time I have not played a sweep. This has come from the Chandu Pandit School of Arts (on his straight drives). I really enjoyed watching the openers bat. Want to try and bat the same way, bat deep, and try and win games for India,” said the Mumbaikar in a post-match presentation.
