'Take more time and see what happens' - Suryakumar Yadav reveals mantra that helped him overcome ODI rut

Suryakumar Yadav is arguably the greatest T20 batter India has produced. However, his returns have not been as productive in the 50-over format for the 'Men in Blue'. The Mumbai batter has amassed 1841 runs in 50 T20I innings at an average of 46.02 and a strike rate of 172.70. In ODIs, the numbers drop down significantly, as Suryakumar has scored 587 runs in 26 innings at an average of 25.52 and a strike rate of 100.

India head coach Rahul Dravid stated ahead of the three-match ODI series against Australia that the management is backing Suryakumar in the 50-over format because of his ability to change the course of the game in quick time with his flamboyant batting.

The 33-year-old was named in India's 15-man squad for the impending ODI World Cup. It was imperative for the experienced campaigner to get some runs under his belt against Australia ahead of the marquee event to boost his morale. Suryakumar did just that as he hit a 49-ball 50 to bail India out of a tricky situation in the first ODI in Mohali. Before the second game in Indore, he revealed that he tried not to use the sweep shot, which has yielded runs but also got him dismissed on a few occasions in the recent past.

“I wanted to see what would be my approach without playing the sweep shot. It came well and gave me confidence. I used to do that for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy. I once again recalled that and if I get to do that, nothing better,” Suryakumar said.

From the management, it was to stretch a little bit the innings, take more time, and see what happens: Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar said that he was trying to figure out why he wasn't able to replicate his T20 form in ODI cricket. He noted that the management advised him to take some time in the middle and stretch the innings.

“I was thinking what was going wrong in this format. The white ball is the same, the colour of the clothing is same. From the management, it was to stretch a little bit the innings, take more time, and see what happens,” Suryakumar added.

In the end, the right-handed batter said that he would look to build on the good performance and play well in Indore in the second ODI.

“I was a little bit relieved, What I was practicing in the four-five practice sessions, I would be looking to replicate that. The plan remains the same,” said Suryakumar.