VVS Laxman Talks About Suryakumar Yadav's Chances Of Getting Into India's ODI XI

Former India middle-order batsman VVS Laxman has opined on Suryakumar Yadav’s chances in the upcoming three-match ODI series against England. After the five-game T20 series was won by India, the two sides will battle it out in the final leg of England’s tour. Despite Suryakumar Yadav’s stellar show in the T20Is, VVS Laxman does not think that he will find a place in the ODI XI.

Suryakumar Yadav debuted in the second T20I; however, his first innings came in the fourth game only. The right-handed batsman made a sparkling 31-ball 57, top-scoring for the team and bagging the man of the match award. Yadav also crafted a 17-ball cameo of 32 runs, playing a chief role in catapulting India to 224. Hence, he made a compelling case ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup.

VVS Laxman stated that given the depth in India’s squad and others performing exceedingly well, Suryakumar Yadav would likely not find a place in any of the formats. The 134-Test veteran admits that the 30-year old has shown form; however, he would opt for players, who have showcased consistency in international cricket.

“I actually don’t know whether he will get to play in the playing XI and that’s the depth in this Indian team. Whether you take Test, one-day or T20I cricket, Suryakumar Yadav doesn’t get into the playing XI just because there are others who have performed exceedingly well in international cricket. Yes, he’s in form, but I would definitely go with players, who have shown that consistency in international cricket. So, for me, he won’t get into the playing XI in the first ODI,” Laxman told Star Sports’ show Cricket Connected.

He batted with authority, conviction and just understood the situation: VVS Laxman

While VVS Laxman admitted it was a close call to choose between Shreyas Iyer and Suryakumar Yadav, he explored latter’s versatility at number six since he gauged the situation well and went for his shots from the word go. The 46-year old mentioned that while Shreyas is a number four batsman and did well in both the limited-overs format, he also did outstandingly at number six.

“I think it is very difficult to just choose one among both, Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer, because what really interests me was the way Shreyas Iyer batted at No. 6. He batted with authority, conviction and just understood the situation and played his shots right from the word go. Because we know that he is ideally suited for No. 4. He has done so well in both, one-dayers and T20Is in that position, but for the first time I have seen him bat at No. 6, and he didn’t disappoint anyone,” he added.

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