IND vs PAK: Sanjay Manjrekar Backs Suryakumar Yadav Ahead Of ODI WC 2023, Says 'He Will Play A World Cup Match For India Without A Doubt'

Former India player, Sanjay Manjrekar backed Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the ODI World Cup 2023 which will take place in India, and said that SKY will at least play one match in the upcoming extravaganza tournament for the Men in Blue.

While speaking on Star Sports, Sanjay Manjrekar appreciated KL Rahul’s comeback to the Men in Blue squad and said that it will benefit Indian cricket since the team management can check his fitness before the ODI World Cup 2023.

The former India player believes that the host of the most prestigious tournament is looking forward to testing the player’s fitness then Suryakumar Yadav should be included in the first eleven.

Manjrekar accepted that SKY’s numbers in the 50-over format is not very good and people are not sure if he can make a mark in ODI cricket.

“KL Rahul coming in at that position is good for Indian cricket because they wanted to test his match fitness out. If India is looking to test the waters before the World Cup, then you must give Suryakumar a game. His One-Day credentials are still in doubt and we don’t know if he would make the same kind of impact,” Sanjay Manjrekar said.

Just imagine Suryakumar Yadav warming the benches: Sanjay Manjrekar

Sanjay Manjrekar said that Suryakumar will definitely make it into the first eleven of an ODI World Cup 2023 match.

“I have no doubt that Suryakumar Yadav will play a World Cup match for India. Because just imagine Suryakumar warming the benches and you have got an incumbence like Shreyas Iyer and KL Rahul playing. He is a massive temptation to play in a big game and a situation where you had a good start,” he added.

Manjrekar praised Suryakumar Yadav for his capability to score huge runs in the last few overs of white-ball cricket. The former player also said that SKY’s match-winning knocks will help the Men in Blue in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023.

“With around 18 overs left and eight wickets in hand, Suryakumar can get you 60 off 28 balls and that can become a match-winning innings. In the World Cup, that will be a big temptation India will not be able to resist,” he concluded.

India will take on Pakistan in the most anticipated match in the ODI World Cup 2023 on October 14th at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.