India’s head coach Rahul Dravid has put his weight behind Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the World Cup. SKY hasn’t been able to grab his chances in the 50-over format as he has done in the T20I version of the game.
Despite his low return in the ODI form, SKY was backed by the Ajit Agarkar-led selection panel for the World Cup. The right-hander could only score 26 runs in the Super Fours clash of the Asia Cup against Bangladesh and once again failed to take his chance in the middle order.
SKY has scored 537 runs in 27 ODI matches at an average of 24.41 and a strike rate of 99.81.
On the other hand, SKY has contrasting numbers in the T20 format as he has scored 1841 runs in 53 T20I games at an impressive average of 46.02 and a blistering strike rate of 172.7 but he hasn’t been able to nail the 50-over format.
However, the selectors and the team’s think tank are well aware of what SKY brings to the table. The Mumbai batter has shown the skills to turn the match on its head with his blistering batting and the management is hopeful that he will be able to bring his A-game, come the World Cup.
Meanwhile, all the teams can make the last changes to their World Cup squad before 27th September but Dravid revealed SKY doesn’t need to worry about his place in the squad.
“I don’t think he needs to worry about the 27th; we’ve picked our team for the World Cup and Surya is in it,” Dravid said ahead of the first ODI against Australia in Mohali.
“We’ve made that decision and we completely back him because he’s got a certain quality and ability that we’ve seen. Yes, we’ve seen those qualities at the moment in T20 cricket, but we know the kind of impact a player like him can make batting at six.
“He can change the course of a game, so we’ve completely backed him. We’re very clear about that. There’s been total clarity on the fact that we’re completely behind him and we know hopefully he’ll be able to turn it around.”
Dravid confirmed that SKY will be getting his chances in the middle order in the series against Australia.
“These three games, he is someone who will get all three games, or at least the first couple certainly to be able to again develop and keep growing in his journey as a one-day cricketer, but in terms of selection, no, we’ve made our decision.”
The first ODI between India and Australia will be played at Mohali on Friday.
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