IND vs PAK: "Suryakumar Yadav Hasn't Cracked ODIs Yet, But..." - AB de Villiers Relieved To See Batter In India’s WC Squad

Former South African cricketer AB de Villiers expressed his delight over Indian batter Suryakumar Yadav making it into the squad for the ICC World Cup 2023. He said that he’s a big fan of the batter and is relieved to see him in the squad for the global event.

India recently named a 15-member strong squad for the ICC World Cup 2023. Suryakumar Yadav was picked in the squad for the tournament despite not having a good record in ODIs. There were very less expectations that he would get picked since only 15 players were in need and other players were really challenging the selectors.

Suryakumar Yadav has been incredible in the T20Is but somehow he hasn’t managed to replicate in ODIs. The batter hasn’t been able to get going in the 50-over format as he has been failing consistently and many didn’t back him to be there, especially with Sanju Samson in particular performing well.

AB de Villiers admitted that Suryakumar Yadav hasn’t cracked the ODI format but said that he has the ability to do that and he hopes that SKY performs in the World Cup. Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, he explained:

“I am relieved to see SKY in the World Cup squad. You guys know I am a big fan. He plays in a similar fashion to how I used to in T20 cricket. He hasn’t cracked ODI cricket yet, but it’s a tiny mind switch that he has got to make. He has all the ability to do it and I hope he gets his opportunity in the World Cup.”

Suryakumar Yadav averages just 24.33 in the 26 games he has played. The batter has smashed 2 half-centuries and has amassed 511 runs in the ODIs.

IND vs PAK: He has all the shots as well – AB de Villiers On Sanju Samson

AB de Villiers also heaped rich praise on Sanju Samson, saying that the keeper-batter has all the shots in the world. He explained:

“I have been at the receiving end at Chinnaswamy Stadium for RCB during his (Samson) hundred (92*) with the ball flying all over the place. He has all the shots as well and it’s all about the mind and adjusting to ODI cricket.”

Here’s India’s World Cup 2023 squad:

Rohit Sharma (captain), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, Ishan Kishan (wk), Hardik Pandya (vice-captain), Ravindra Jadeja, Axar Patel, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav.