Indian middle-order batsman Suryakumar Yadav opened challenging wickets during the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA). Suryakumar Yadav said that he needs to adapt to different playing conditions and situations despite being the world’s number one batsman.
Suryakumar Yadav struggled to score in Team India’s first two matches in the ongoing ICC tournament. He scored only nine runs in his first two innings against Ireland and Pakistan in New York. However, the right-handed batsman scored an unbeaten 50 runs in 49 balls against the United States of America.
The Rohit Sharma-led team managed three wins before the final group stage was abandoned due to wet outfields. The Men in Blue are placed in Group 1 alongside Afghanistan, Australia and Bangladesh in the Super 8 stages. They will begin their Super 8 campaign against Afghanistan in Barbados on June 20.
Should be able to bat in different conditions – Suryakumar Yadav
During a media interaction here on Tuesday, Suryakumar Yadav emphasized the importance of adapting to different conditions and situations to contribute effectively to the team’s needs. Suryakumar acknowledged the challenges of batting on slow wickets, which forces him to strategize with his batting partner.
“If you have been number one for two years, you should be able to bat in different conditions and change the game according to the needs of the team. That shows good batting and that’s what I try,” Suryakumar said.
“It is difficult to generate that force when there is no pace on the wicket and when someone has read your game well. “So at that point, you have to be very smart about how you want to extend your innings.”
“You have to change according to the situation, what the team demands at that moment, and talk to your teammate who is inside, calm your nerves and then make the innings forward,” he added.
That has always been my strong point – Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav stated that sweeps and reverse sweeps will be crucial to counter the challenges of spin on the West Indies pitches. He noted that the practice fields in New York were challenging initially but have improved significantly.
“The practice fields, yes, they were a little bit spicy in New York. It was cool. They made the conditions after knowing there was a World Cup there. They have been taking pictures here regularly and they are much better than (the US). “
“That’s always been my strong point (sweeps and reverse sweeps). I’ve tried to play the same way I do in practice sessions.”
Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma opened the batting and Rishabh Pant was promoted to number three in the Indian lineup. Suryakumar now bats at number four and will need to adjust his batting approach accordingly. Surya can move up higher in the batting order if the team requires it.
The middle-order batsman has scored 2,200 runs in 60 innings at an average of 44.90 and a remarkable strike rate of 168.06. Suryakumar Yadav has smashed four centuries and 18 half-centuries, with a best score of 117, in his T20I career.
Also Read: Shreyas Iyer to return to Indian dressing room despite not having central contract and Gautam Gambhir to become head coach