Former Indian batter Sanjay Manjrekar is confident that Suryakumar Yadav will play a World Cup match for India. SKY is included in the ODI World Cup squad despite his low returns in the 50-overs version. In 26 ODIs, SKY has scored only 511 runs at an average of 24.33 and he hasn’t been able to grab his opportunity in the 50-overs version.
In the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, SKY hasn’t been included in the final XI as Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul have made a return to the squad after recovering from their respective injuries. Iyer was picked in the team’s playing XI in the group stage match against Pakistan and Nepal whereas Rahul replaced Iyer in the Super Fours stage game against Pakistan as the latter was suffering from a back spasm.
Rahul remained unbeaten on 17 against Pakistan at the R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo on Sunday before rain forced the game into reserve day.
Sanjay Manjrekar said on Star Sports: “KL Rahul coming in at that position is good for Indian cricket because they wanted to test his match fitness out. If India is looking to test the waters before the World Cup, then you must give Suryakumar a game. His One-Day credentials are still in doubt and we don’t know if he would make the same kind of impact.”
“I have no doubt that Suryakumar Yadav will play a World Cup match for India. Because just imagine Suryakumar warming the benches and you have got an incumbence like Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul playing. He is a massive temptation to play in a big game and a situation where you had a good start,” Manjrekar added.
Manjrekar added SKY can turn the match on its head with his blistering batting and he can make a difference while batting with 20 overs left.
“With around 18 overs left and eight wickets in hand, Suryakumar can get you 60 off 28 balls and that can become a match-winning innings. In the World Cup, that will be a big temptation India will not be able to resist.”
SKY has a blistering strike rate of 172.7 in T20Is and it is well known what he can do in the T20I format and he will look to replicate the same in the ODI version.
India will begin their World Cup campaign against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on October 8.
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