IND vs AUS: Rahul Dravid Opens Up On Strict Message Given To Suryakumar Yadav
Updated - 06 Oct 2023, 09:47 PM
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Indian head coach Rahul Dravid talked about the form of Suryakumar Yadav in the ODIs ahead of the clash against Australia in the ICC World Cup 2023. He said that the right-hander is working on a few areas and is learning some things.
Suryakumar Yadav and ODIs, have been the most talked about topics in Indian cricket for the last few months. The batter is the No.1 ranked T20I batter but somehow he hasn’t managed to replicate the same thing in the 50-over format, which has raised a lot of questions about his place.
Suryakumar Yadav, however, looked in good touch in the recently concluded ODIs against Australia but those innings weren’t any near to how he plays in T20Is. He took his time and played proper cricket shots, not trying any fancy shots, with which he’s extremely successful in the shortest format of the game.
Suryakumar Yadav scored blistering half-centuries in two games and then played a decent knock in the third game against Australia. He will be one of the biggest positives for Team India going into the ICC World Cup 2023 as his ability to change the course of the game will be crucial for the team.
Rahul Dravid said that after two knocks against Australia, people are saying Suryakumar Yadav has cracked the ODI format. He pointed out that it was the question of confidence, which he would’ve gained after two knocks against Australia. He also revealed that they have given a clear message to Suryakumar to find different ways of scoring runs in ODIs. Speaking to reporters, he explained:
“He’s always a very good player. Two good knocks and certainly he has cracked it, it happens in our country right? It’s a question of confidence that those two knocks would have given him.
“He is working on certain things, he’s learning a few things. We have told him about finding other ways of scoring than his general route in T20s. He’s in a really good space in terms of his skills.”
It’s an important format and a fun format to play – Rahul Dravid on ODIs
Rahul Dravid further talked about the traveling that India will be doing during the ICC World Cup 2023. He believes that it’ll be an opportunity for the team to enjoy cricket. He explained:
“Thinking about travelling to 9 cities to play matches is exciting. Playing in front of the home crowd. It’s like a festival and an exciting opportunity for us to play in front of our home crowd, in different cities and let them enjoy our cricket.”
Rahul Dravid further talked about the ODI format, which is under scanner. He said that it’s important to play a 50-over format as it allows spectators to see good innings and good spells. He added:
“We haven’t played a lot of 50 overs cricket. That’s what I have noticed in the last couple of years as a coach. It’s an important format and a fun format to play. I don’t know how many teams will play ODIs with more and more T20 cricket.
“I sincerely hope that we keep valuing and playing this format. For example, the Siraj spell in the Asia Cup final, you don’t see spells like this in T20 cricket. This format allows you to see good innings, and good spells like Devon Conway and Rachin Ravindra yesterday. It’s still an important format.”
India will open their campaign against Australia at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 8.
