Brian Lara Baffled At Suryakumar Yadav's Non-Selection For Australia Tour

With Suryakumar Yadav making an irrefutable case for selection through his performances in IPL and domestic cricket, the selectors not opting for the Australia tour was met with intense criticism. The right-handed batsman has made massive strides into becoming one of the best batsmen, showing an ability to adapt to various situations, no matter the pressure. Former West Indies cricketer Brian Lara has joined the list of cricketers ruing his non-selection.

Suryakumar Yadav was the second-highest run-maker for Mumbai Indians in their victorious IPL 2020 campaign. The 30-year old’s tally of 480 was next to Ishan Kishan’s 516, slamming four fifties, averaging above 40 along with a strike rate of nearly 150. When the selectors announced the squad for Australia’s tour, Yadav was already playing brilliantly; hence, it came as a shock when he could not make the cut.

Brian Lara pointed out that Suryakumar Yadav bats at number three after Rohit Sharma and Quinton De Kock in IPL, reminding that other than the openers, the number three batsman is a team’s best player. Lara underlined that not only is Yadav an excellent player but also a reliable one. Hence, the former West Indian captain is baffled that the selectors did not opt for him for the tour of Australia.

“He comes to bat on the back of Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock and every time, they are under pressure, he comes in at number three. Just remember, your number batsman, other than the openers, the number three batsman in any cricket team is normally your best player, your most reliable player. And for me, he has been that for Mumbai Indians and I see no reason why, looking at the squad, he can be a part of it,” Lara stated as quoted by India Today.

Suryakumar Yadav has done such a wonderful job for Mumbai: Brian Lara

Brian Lara referred to the right-handed batsman as a top-class player and his perimeters to judge are technique, capabilities under pressure, positions that they’re batting in. According to him, Suryakumar Yadav has done a fabulous job for the five-time champions.

“Yeah, definitely. He’s a class player. I don’t just look at players that score runs, I look at their technique, capabilities under pressure, positions that they’re batting and for me, Suryakumar Yadav has done such a wonderful job for Mumbai,” the Prince of Trinidad added.

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