'Being No 1 For 2 Years..,' Suryakumar Vows To Bring Out His A-Game In T20 WC Super Eights
Suryakumar Yadav Eyes Success in the Caribbean [AP]
Suryakumar Yadav, the world's top-ranked T20I batter, faced challenges in New York's Nassau County stadium during the T20 World Cup.
Despite facing criticism for his performances against Ireland and Pakistan, he showcased his adaptability by scoring an uncharacteristic yet crucial 50 not out off 49 balls against the USA.
On a difficult pitch where stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli struggled, Suryakumar's cautious approach guided India to victory.
“Being number one for two years requires the ability to bat in different conditions and adjust your game for the team’s needs. That’s what defines good batsmanship,” Yadav said in a media interaction.
This statement underscores the importance of flexibility in different playing conditions, demonstrating why he remains at the top of the rankings.
The pitches in New York proved challenging for many teams, not just India. The slow outfield and lack of facilities, such as the abandonment of the India vs. Canada game due to a wet outfield despite no rain, highlighted the inadequacies of the tournament's preparation.
SKY looking to capitalise on Caribbean conditions
Looking forward, Suryakumar is keen to return to his aggressive best on more familiar Caribbean pitches.
"The conditions were new and challenging for us, but we’ve played in the West Indies before and are familiar with the pitches here,” he mentioned.
He believes that the practice pitches in Barbados are better prepared and less challenging than those in New York, offering hope for a return to form.
Strategy Against Spinners
Despite the spinners' success in the Caribbean, Yadav remains confident in his game plan. "Sweeps and reverse sweeps are a strong part of my game, and I practice them regularly," he stated.
This confidence and preparation indicate his readiness to tackle the upcoming challenges in the Super 8 stage of the T20 World Cup 2024.