Given that Shreyas Iyer, India’s preferred No. 4 batter, won’t be playing in the 2023 ODI World Cup, Suryakumar Yadav will have a huge opportunity to demonstrate his abilities.
He failed to have an impact, though, as he consistently recorded golden ducks, raising concerns about his future in the sport. As a result, veteran India wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik sent captain Rohit Sharma and head coach Rahul Dravid a harsh message while also making an unusual suggestion.
Dinesh Karthik stressed the significance of backing up Suryakumar Yadav in Shreyas Iyer’s absence in an interview with Cricbuzz following India’s 10-wicket defeat in the second ODI. He also suggested changing the middle-order batting composition.
He Is At His Best When He Faces Lesser Deliveries: Dinesh Karthik
Karthik suggested that KL Rahul be used as a backup at No. 4, followed by Hardik Pandya, and Suryakumar Yadav might bat at No. 6. Karthik also made the claim that Suryakumar performs best in limited-overs cricket, citing his No. 1 ranking in T20Is as evidence.
“He would have gotten out on those two deliveries even in T20s. It is not that because it is ODIs, he is getting out. This is high-quality bowling irrespective of the format. He played the two ODIs now and prior to that he didn’t play consistently. Shreyas Iyer was the preferred No.4 and rightfully so and Surya was the back-up option. Where we need to be with Surya is remind ourselves of the talent he is.”
“What I like to see is can they fit in Surya at a different place to get the best out of him. I feel, Hardik enjoys batting up top so is there a possibility of sending him at No.4 and Surya at six. It is so because when you give him 15-18 overs, the way he is able to turn the game on its head is very very good. And irrespective of whether there are 5 or 4 fielders inside the circle he is able to hit boundaries at will and make a mockery out of the captain. When you give Surya lesser overs, 14-18 overs, he is at his venomous best. Suryakumar in ODIs is a non-negotiable.”
It is likely that Suryakumar Yadav would continue to play for India’s team despite Shreyas Iyer’s absence. Despite requests from supporters to add Sanju Samson, Suryakumar appears to be a competent substitute for Iyer, and it would be wise to give him some time to settle in.
