‘He hasn’t quite found, or decoded, what’s his game going to be in ODIs’ – Former cricketer analyses Suryakumar Yadav’s performance in ODIs

India’s number one T20I batsman Suryakumar Yadav has gained recognition for his unique and innovative shots as he bats in an attacking style. Suryakumar has time and again got multiple opportunities in ODIs for India against multiple opponents, however, he has failed to create the same impact in the longer format as he has in the shorter one. 

Former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden recently talked about Suryakumar Yadav’s failure in ODI cricket. Recently, Suryakumar represented India in the team’s match against Bangladesh in the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup. Suryakumar Yadav was consistently trying to play the sweep shot before he was bowled by Shakib Al Hasan, which has been criticised by multiple cricket experts. 

Matthew Hayden on Suryakumar Yadav’s poor performance in ODIs 

“I really understand the mindset. Because I sat for seven years without getting a game for Australia. You have these moments when you perform incredibly well for your state, and in Suryakumar Yadav’s case, in first-class and IPL cricket, where his strike rate is 170+. When it comes to ODIs, he hasn’t quite found, or decoded, what’s his game going to be,” said Matthew Hayden.

“Tonight, he just played ‘get out of the jail’ shots, trying to get those lack of respect runs. Even when Jadeja came to play, he was going bang-bang-bang with Shubman Gill powering away. That takes a lot of confidence internally. You have to be right at the top of your game. When you are fighting so hard to find respect from your country in that one format, the harder you chase it, the farther it seems to get away. So, I do feel for Suryakumar Yadav, who I think has a huge role to play in this World Cup,” added Hayden. 

“Axar batted brilliantly but couldn’t finish. He showed a lot of character. But credit to the Bangladesh bowlers. Gill’s hundred was brilliant. He backs his game, he knows exactly how he wants to play. Pretty clear on what he wants to do for the team. Look at his form over the last year. Pretty solid against the new ball. Works really hard, there’s no optional practice for Gill”, said Rohit Sharma.