Cricket fans are abuzz with the recent announcement of the Indian squad for the Asia Cup 2023. Led by Rohit Sharma, the 17-member team includes the return of players like K.L. Rahul, Jasprit Bumrah, and Shreyas Iyer.
Notably, the ICC’s number one T20 batsman, Suryakumar Yadav, also secured a spot in the team. While he shines in T20, Suryakumar’s performance in One Day Internationals (ODIs) has been a cause for concern.
Suryakumar Yadav’s ODI Struggles:
Suryakumar’s performance in ODI matches has left much to be desired. Having played 26 ODIs, he has managed only two half-centuries, with an overall dismal average. In his last 10 ODIs, his performance hit an all-time low. Furthermore, Suryakumar earned an unfortunate distinction in ODI cricket.
The Embarrassing Record:
In the current year, Suryakumar featured in 10 ODIs, amassing a mere 127 runs at an average of 14.11. What’s worse, he suffered the ignominy of being dismissed for a golden duck (getting out on the first ball) in three consecutive ODIs. This unwanted feat makes him the sole player globally to achieve such a record in a three-match series.
In the Company of Legends:
Suryakumar Yadav’s unfortunate record places him in the company of cricketing legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Anil Kumble, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah. These renowned Indian players also faced the humiliation of consecutive zeros in three ODIs. Sachin Tendulkar, for instance, experienced this in 1994, illustrating that even the greatest cricketers have had their share of challenging moments.
Domestic Misfortune:
Suryakumar Yadav’s struggles extended to domestic ODIs. In a three-match series against Australia earlier this year, he recorded another golden duck. This unfortunate run of form on home soil further highlighted his difficulties in the 50-over format.
Overall ODI Performance:
A look at Yadav’s overall ODI statistics reveals his inconsistency. In 26 ODIs, he has managed a meager average of 24.33, a far cry from what is expected of a top-order batsman. With only two fifties to his name, his ODI journey, which began on March 14, 2021, against Sri Lanka in Colombo, has been marked by inconsistency.
The Asia Cup Squad:
Despite his ODI struggles, Yadav’s inclusion in the Asia Cup 2023 squad under Rohit Sharma has sparked speculation. Includes deadly players like Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and Jasprit Bumrah. This team will work hard to strengthen India’s chances in the tournament and keep the winning hopes alive.
The Importance of T20 Form:
One reason for Suryakumar Yadav’s selection could be his exceptional form in T20 cricket. Being the number one T20 batsman in the ICC rankings is a testament to his prowess in the shortest format. The selectors might believe that this T20 form can translate into success in ODIs.
Asia Cup Schedule
August 30: Pakistan vs Nepal – Multan
August 31: Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka – Kandy
September 2: India vs Pakistan – Kandy
September 3: Bangladesh vs Afghanistan – Lahore
September 4: India vs Nepal – Kandy
September 5: Sri Lanka vs Afghanistan – Lahore
September 6: A1 Vs B2- Lahore
September 9: B1 vs B2- Colombo (Could be Sri Lanka vs Bangladesh)
September 10: A1 vs A2- Colombo (could be India vs Pakistan)
September 12: A2 vs B1- Colombo
September 14: A1 vs B1- Colombo
September 15: A2 vs B2- Colombo
September 17: Final – Colombo
Indian Team for Asia Cup 2023
Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, K.L. Rahul, Shreyas Iyer, Hardik Pandya (Vice-Captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Mohammad Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Ishan Kishan, Akshar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Verma, the famous Krishna.
Traveling Reserve – Sanju Samson
Suryakumar Yadav’s selection for the Asia Cup 2023 despite his ODI woes reflects the faith of the Indian cricketing fraternity in his potential. Whether he can convert his T20 success into a successful ODI stint remains to be seen. As the Asia Cup unfolds, cricket enthusiasts worldwide will be eager to witness Suryakumar Yadav’s performance and determine if he can rewrite his ODI story.
