Virat Kohli targeted indirectly namedropping Suryakumar Yadav as Virender Sehwag delivers spine-chilling verdict

Former Indian opener and cricket pandit, Virender Sehwag, has reacted to Suryakumar Yadav’s latest statement on the pitches and conditions on offer at the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024 ahead of Team India’s Super-8 clash against Afghanistan on June 20 in Barbados.

Ahead of India's crucial Super-8 match against Afghanistan, Suryakumar, the world's top-ranked batter, claimed that he has adjusted his approach according to the challenges posed by the varied pitches in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and Caribbean Islands.

You have to change according to the situation: Suryakumar Yadav

The right-handed batter, known for his aggressive strokeplay, has shown adaptability on the demanding surfaces in New York, where conditions demanded a more cautious approach. However, he is optimistic about the pitches in the Caribbean, expecting them to better suit his natural game.

Yadav's match-winning knock of an unbeaten 50 off 49 balls against the USA showcased his versatility, ability to adapt to match situations, and maturity under pressure in challenging conditions. He anchored India's victory with an unbeaten 50 off 49 balls over the USA in New York.

Suryakumar Yadav said in a media interaction in Barbados: “If have you been number one for two years, you should be able to bat in different conditions and change the game as per the needs of the team. That displays good batsmanship and that is what I try. You have to be very smart how you want to extend your innings. You have to change according to the situation, what team demands at that moment and talk to your partner who is inside, calm your nerves down and then take the innings ahead.”

He also said that the Caribbean pitches are much better than those in the USA. He also mentioned that sweeps and reverse sweeps are his strongest points, and he is eager to use those during the Super-8 matches in the West Indies, as he has been practicing those shots during the practice sessions here.

Virender Sehwag praises Suryakumar Yadav's tactical approach to ICC T20 World Cup 2024 conditions

Meanwhile, reacting to Suryakumar’s statement, Virender Sehwag praised the Indian batter for his proactive approach to adapting to match situations and conditions in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024.

The former Indian opener believes that Surya’s ability to adjust to varying conditions and deliver when it matters most will be a crucial and positive sign as Team India aims to dominate the Super-8 stage.

The commentator further highlighted that when a player vocalizes their approach and then executes it on the field, it reflects positively on their understanding and commitment. He noted from his own career experience how such statements can influence perceptions within the team and help the batter himself and his team.

Virender Sehwag said on Cricbuzz Live: “It's a good thing that when the player himself says that he should play according to the situation and conditions, then it stays in the mind. Then if he gets out on a bad shit, then the 14 people sitting outside would say, ‘Oh, he talked about the situation and conditions and now how he is playing’.

When a batter himself says that I think we should play like this on this ground, on this wicket, this should be done, this game should be planned, and then he does it in the match. So that's a good thing that the statement given by Suryakumar Yadav in the press conference. It's a good thing that he said that I will play according to the situation and conditions, and he should do it. So that's a good sign for India that he is adjusting to the conditions.”