Suryakumar Yadav "Lucky To Be In That Side": IPL-Winning Coach's Honest Take On India Star

22.08.2023 - 07:45 sports.ndtv.com

Former Australia all-rounder Tom Moody feels Suryakumar Yadav is "lucky" to have found a place in the Indian team for the upcoming Asia Cup.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced India's 17-member squad for the tournament on Monday, with the likes of Yuzvendra Chahal and Yashasvi Jaiswal narrowly missing out on selection.

While analysing India's squad for the Asia Cup, Moody said that Suryakumar is yet to crack the code in One-Day Internationals, despite his riches in T20Is. "The player that I think is lucky to be in that side is Suryakumar Yadav.

I know that he's a player that we all love to watch, but he is yet to really master the 50-over game. I think he's played over 20 matches now and at a very modest return.

cricket India Cricket Team Asia Cup 2023 on Rohit Sharma Star Sports Asia Cup Shreyas Iyer Yashasvi Jaiswal Suryakumar Yadav Tom Moody Australia India

Suryakumar Yadav admitted that ODI cricket is the "most challenging" format for him. However, he added that he is looking forward to doing well in the format. The 32-year-old right-hander is the number one T20I batter but he has failed to replicate the performance in the 50-over games for India. With an under-par performance so far, Suryakumar struggles to find his feet in ODI cricket. The batter said that he continues to seek help from Rahul Dravid, Rohit Sharma, and Virat Kohli.

"Disappointed" AB de Villiers Reacts To India Star's Asia Cup 2023 Snub

India's Asia Cup squad did spring a few surprises, with Tilak Varma getting the nod in the 50-over format for the first time ever while Yuzvendra Chahal had no place in the 18-man roster. Among the ommissions, Chahal's case has arguably been the most discussed one, considering there's not a single leg-spinner in the squad that was picked. While a number of former Indian cricketers have expressed their astonishment at Chahal's absence, his former Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) teammate AB de Villiers also admitted being 'disappointed' to not see the spinner's name in India's squad.

"With Due Respect...": Ex-India Star Counters Gautam Gambhir's Asia Cup Selection Verdict

India's squad for the Asia Cup 2023 has received a mixed reaction, with a section of fans and experts pointing out the apparent 'flaws' that exist in the team. Highlighting one of the problem areas in the team, former India star Gautam Gambhir asserted the need to have a proper backup for Hardik Pandya. Though Shardul Thakur has shown over time how productive he can be with the bat, Gambhir doesn't think he is the ideal backup for Hardik. The former India opening batter, instead, wanted Shivam Dube to have gotten the nod.

"Hardik Pandya Is An Impact Player": IPL Winning Coach Praises All-Rounder Ahead Of Asia Cup

Former Australian cricketer Tom Moody said that flexibility is important in modern-day cricket and Team India may be required to throw someone like the all-rounder Hardik Pandya up the order. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) on Monday announced a strong 17-member squad for the upcoming Asia Cup which will begin on August 30 with Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul returning to the squad and Tilak Verma also getting a place in the team. Speaking exclusively to ESPNCricinfo, Moody spoke on Rohit Sharma's statement concerning flexibility in the line-up.

On Photo With Anushka Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav Royally Trolls Virat Kohli's 'Running Technique'

Virat Kohli will be the one to watch out for in the coming two months as India embark upon a series of important tournaments starting with the Asia Cup 2023 and then the World Cup 2023. If India are to do well in the marquee events, a lot would hinge on how Kohli's bat performs. The former Indian cricket team captain is currently enjoying a brief break from the game. He last featured in the India-West Indies ODI series and will next be seen in action in the match against arch-rivals Pakistan on September 2 at the Asia Cup 2023.

"By Failing In His Last Two Matches...": Ex-India Star's 'Tongue In Cheek' Take On Tilak Varma's Asia up call-up

Tilak Varma's inclusion in India's Asia Cup 2023 squad was a proof that if one has potential, reaching great heights in your field is always possible. The left-handed batter showed potential in the T20I series against West Indies in the middle-order and he was justly rewarded. In a line-up full of right-handed starts, Varma provides variety though he lacks experience. Former India player Sanjay Manjrekar praised Varma's inclusion and made a tongue in cheek remark. "Yes, because he is in hot form. Look at his domestic career, he's got the numbers to merit a call for India. And also, tongue in cheek, he is also getting ready for 50 overs cricket by failing in his last two matches in the T20 format.