Gautam Gambhir
Gautam Gambhir. Image Credits: Twitter

Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir is amongst the ones that expressed his disappointment at Suryakumar Yadav’s axing in the ongoing third T20I against India. Suryakumar Yadav made his much-awaited debut in the last game; however, he did not get to bat. But with Rohit Sharma back in the side, the 30-year old had to make way. Gautam Gambhir stated that it was exceptionally unfair to drop Yadav even without getting an opportunity to bat.

Suryakumar Yadav had been on the radar for the last couple of years due to his compelling performances in IPL and domestic cricket. The right-handed batsman’s three consecutive successful IPL seasons forced the selectors to hand him a chance. While another debutant in Ishan Kishan made the most of his opportunity in the second T20I by mustering a fifty, Suryakumar Yadav could not get a chance as India won by seven wickets, chasing 165.

Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav (Image Credit: Twitter)

Gautam Gambhir underlined that Suryakumar Yadav has started preparing for the World Cup as early as seven months ago. The former left-handed opener feels that if there is an injury to Shreyas Iyer, someone must be capable enough to fulfil that role in the grandest stage. Thus, Gambhir highlighted that the team management must give opportunities to Yadav and they have a backup, if he delivers. He criticised the preparation for the World Cup, saying that it is unexplainable not to give a go to new players.

It amazes me, seven months before the World Cup he starts preparing for World Cup and probably after the World Cup he will start preparing for the next World Cup. It really doesn’t matter, the kind of form you are in matters. Imagine if there is an injury issue, what have you seen of Suryakumar Yadav, what have you seen of Suryakumar Yadav in international cricket. I hope nobody gets injured but if there is an injury case and somebody needs to bat at number 4 and number 5. For example there has to be a replacement for Shreyas Iyer, who are you gonna go for,”

So at least look at someone whom you have got into the setup. Probably give him that ‘opportunity in three or four games and see where he stands. If he delivers, you have got a backup for someone already batting at number four. If you get someone play him in that series and see what he is giving in the future. We keep talking about preparations but this is just no preparation for the World Cup. It’s just about looking at the same players what you have seen for so many years,” Gautam Gambhir told ESPN Cricinfo.

No one even talks about Manish Pandey now: Gautam Gambhir

Gautam Gambhir
Image Credits: Twitter

The cricketer-turned-politician further claimed that he would be hurt if he would be Suryakumar Yadav as he is not even young to hope for more chances going forward. Gambhir enlisted the likes of Sanju Samson and Manish Pandey – both of whom have slipped from the selectors’ sights. He predicts that Suryakumar might also undergo the same fate if he gets chances and fails.

“It would hurt me if I was Suryakumar Yadav, if I was in his position, what I am not 21-22, I know I am 30. We know what happens in Indian cricket, once you turn 30, the insecurity starts creeping in. Look at what has happened to Manish Pandey, no one even talks about him, Look at Sanju Samson, no one probably ask the question where is Sanju Samson. You will ask Suryakumar Yadav, you will give him couple of games and suddenly if he doesn’t perform you will say ‘oh we are looking at another youngster,” the 39-year old added.

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