Suryakumar Yadav looks 'perfectly equipped' to play Test cricket: Sachin Tendulkar

With the Border Gavaskar Trophy set to begin on February 9, all eyes are on the squad that team India could field ahead of the first Test against Australia in Nagpur. There have been many discussions around Shubman Gill and the Test debut of Suryakumar Yadav.

Former Indian batter Sachin Tendulkar recently came forward to talk about Suryakumar Yadav’s inclusion in the squad and what kind of impact the 32-year-old can have as team India prepares to take on Australia in the first Test.

"From entering T20s and ODIs to now being in the Test squad, he has made an incredible impression around the globe. Whoever follows Surya, falls in love with his ability and the way he thinks, but Test cricket is going to be different. Surya looks perfectly equipped to play Test cricket. Someone of his calibre should be considered along with KL Rahul and Shubman Gill," Tendulkar was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

Such is life: Tendulkar on KL Rahul’s recent form

One of the most discussed topics ahead of the first Test has been the possible opening combinations. Considering Shubman Gill’s recent form, the 23-year-old has been backed by many veteran players to open the innings alongside skipper Rohit Sharma.

Talking about the opening line-ups, Tendulkar said, "I don't want to get into team combinations and all that. But if we get into the recent past, Shubman Gill has been in good form and Rahul hasn't been able to contribute, but such is life. You go through these ups and downs. They both are excellent players and to retain position in the team, one has to continue scoring runs."

The 49-year-old also reflected on Virat Kohli’s return to form and how it could be crucial for team India. He also commented on the match-up between Nathan Lyon and Virat Kohli, stating that world cricket requires such rivalries.