'You guys know I am a big fan' - AB de Villiers expresses relief as Suryakumar Yadav makes World Cup squad

Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers expressed delight after Suryakumar Yadav was included in Team India’s ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 squad. The 32-year-old has been a standout performer for the team in the T20I format and is currently leading the list of T20I batter rankings. De Villiers stated that he is a big fan of Suryakumar and is hoping that the 32-year-old will flourish in the 50-over format.

"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,” De Villiers said on his YouTube channel.

AB de Villiers further praised Sanju Samson, recalling the wicketkeeper-batter’s sensational knock of 92*(45) against the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2018 Indian Premier League (IPL) season when he was playing for the three-time finalists. 

"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,” the legendary wicketkeeper added.

Moreover, the Kerala-born cricketer once again lost the chance to play for the national side as he was snubbed by the selectors for the much-awaited ODI World Cup at home. Rohit Sharma and Co. will kickstart their campaign against five-time champions Australia on October 8 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

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.