Suryakumar Yadav will get used to ODI format after a few more games: Wasim Jaffer

Wasim Jaffer, former India and Mumbai opener, opined that Suryakumar Yadav requires a few more matches to become accustomed to the 50-over format. The flashy batter was selected for the starting lineup of the opening game of the ongoing ODI series against New Zealand, but failed to seize the moment and was out for 31. He appeared to be in good shape, but a missed shot ended his run at the crease. 

As the top-ranked batter in the shortest format, the 32-year-old has been in excellent form with the bat in T20Is. He already has three T20I centuries to his name, and his most recent one came in just a couple of weeks back when India hosted Sri Lanka. Jaffer believes that because the middle-order batter has recently focused primarily on T20Is, he needs to learn the 50-over format.

“I think he is just used to playing the T20 format. He knows there’s not much time in T20 cricket, but you do have that in 50 overs, so he needs to understand it. He hasn’t played a lot of 50-over cricket, but he will get used to it after a few more games,” Jaffer told ESPNcricinfo.

He knows how to build an innings: Jaffer

Jaffer praised Suryakumar's batting strategy in the first ODI against New Zealand, but added that he would perform better if he walked out to bat after 30 overs. He also underlined that Suryakumar has performed admirably at number 4 in First-Class cricket and that he will quickly get used to playing in ODIs owing to his extensive experience in the domestic cricket.

“He looked like a million-dollar player. He had a start before a very soft dismissal, but it’s better if he starts his innings close to the 30-over mark. However, it gives him time to play until 35-40 overs, and then he can play as he does in T20 cricket. So, ideally, if he comes near the 30-over mark, it will suit him and India because that’s how he plays in T20 cricket. Sometimes it can get confusing when players get a lot of overs, but he is a quality player. He played for Mumbai in first-class cricket at number four, so he knows how to build an innings. So, he is not new to the role,” Jaffer added.

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