Star batter Suryakumar Yadav is set to make his mark in ODIs as Team India tests new combinations ahead of the World Cup. The team recently took on West Indies in a 3-match series, starting from Thursday in Bridgetown. Coming off their victory in the two-match Test series, which ended in a draw due to rain, the three ODIs present a great opportunity for Team India to fine-tune their strategies for the highly anticipated World Cup in October.
All eyes will be on Suryakumar Yadav, who has been unable to replicate his remarkable T20 form in the ODIs. With injured player Shreyas Iyer absent, Yadav has a chance to stake his claim for the number four spot. Former India opener Wasim Jaffer believes that batting at number six would enhance Yadav’s performance. In my opinion, the best position for him in ODIs are No.5 and No.6. I would start with him at No.6 in the first ODI, Jaffer said. He added that as Yadav gets accustomed to the format, he can move up the order to No.5 or even higher if he consistently scores runs.
In addition to Yadav’s potential, the team is also dealing with the absence of KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant due to injuries. As replacements, Ishan Kishan and Sanju Samson have been included in the squad as wicketkeeping options. Jaffer predicts that it will be Sanju Samson, the skipper of the Rajasthan Royals, who will secure a spot in the Playing XI for the ODIs against West Indies. Jaffer believes that these matches will serve as a crucial test for Samson, as the performances leading up to the World Cup will heavily influence the team selection.
Regarding Ishan Kishan, Jaffer mentioned that his opportunities may be limited due to the presence of Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill at the top of the order. However, Jaffer emphasized that whoever gets the chance and performs well will have a strong chance of being chosen for the World Cup squad.
The upcoming ODIs between India and West Indies will not only showcase Suryakumar Yadav’s potential but also provide opportunities for young talents like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan to prove their worth on the international stage. With the World Cup looming, these matches hold great significance for Team India as they seek to identify the best combinations and strengthen their chances of success in the tournament.
In conclusion, as India prepares for the ODIs against West Indies, Suryakumar Yadav’s performance will be closely watched as he aims to make a mark in the 50-over format. The absence of injured players like Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, and Rishabh Pant opens doors for emerging talents like Sanju Samson and Ishan Kishan, who have the opportunity to cement their place in the team ahead of the World Cup. These ODIs will serve as a vital platform for experimenting with new combinations and fine-tuning strategies as India looks to build a formidable squad for the highly anticipated ODI World Cup in October.
