Suryakumar Yadav, India’s top T20 batsman, has to make a little mental adjustment, according to former South African batter AB de Villiers, in order to duplicate his success in the 50-over game. The Indian player who has the T20I format’s global No. 1 ranking averages a pitiful 24.33 in ODIs, scoring just two half-centuries across 24 innings and having a strike rate of 101.38.
De Villiers is an admirer of Suryakumar, who has fashioned his batting after South African’s 360-degree striking technique. The former right-handed batter spoke about this on his YouTube channel as he said, “You guys know I’m a big fan (of Surya). He plays in a similar manner to how I used to play, but in ODIs, he hasn’t cracked it yet.”
I hope he gets this opportunity in this World Cup: AB de Villiers
He added that he was relieved to find out that the team management had backed the Mumbai Indians batter and picked him in the ODI World Cup 2023 squad. He said, “It is a tiny little mind switch that he’s got to make, and he’s got all the ability and capabilities that he needs to do that. I am very relieved to see SKY in the World Cup squad, I’m very happy about it. I hope he gets this opportunity in this World Cup. Looking at the balance of the Indian squad, he might not start, but a World Cup is a long tournament. So let’s see what happens then.”
AB de Villiers then discussed the potential snub of Sanju Samson from the Indian team for the ODI World Cup 2023. He said, “I don’t have to say much about him. We know what he’s capable of. I’ve been on the receiving end for RCB, watching him score 92 not out at the Chinnaswamy. The ball was flying all over the place. He’s also got the conventional cricket game and technique where he plays with a straight bat, plays the ball nicely. He’s got a good pull and hook shot.”
Fans react to AB de Villiers comparing himself to India’s T20I sensation Suryakumar Yadav:
AB Devilliers said "I am a big fan of Suryakumar Yadav, he plays in a similar manner to how I used to play but in ODIs, he hasn't cracked yet – he has got all the ability and capability to do it – I am happy & relieved that he is part of the World Cup". [AB YT] pic.twitter.com/MfCISfsPYb
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) September 9, 2023
Bro literally owned dharavi de Villiers ??
— KRISHNA? (@KrishnaVK_18) September 9, 2023
sky has no limits
— Er.Atul Vaidya??? (@atulvai04795672) September 9, 2023
he knows the ball
— DETAILBRAIN (@detailbrain66) September 9, 2023
De Villiers and Suryakumar ???
— Modani (@JahirSpecial) September 9, 2023
junior mr.360
— Er.Atul Vaidya??? (@atulvai04795672) September 9, 2023
Really it's reverse?
— pradeep (@gentledeepu) September 9, 2023
360 appreciating 360 ??
— Sports Fan (@crazyforsports7) September 9, 2023
He hasn’t cracked yet?
— Vipin Tiwari (@vipintiwari952) September 9, 2023
wow. agree they both have many similarities.
— Dilbag Koundal ?????? ????? ?? (@dilbag_koundal) September 9, 2023
I don't understand the reason why he has been picked up, apart from the fact that Rohit picked his MI teammate. He is not even in the Playing 11, nor will be the first choice reinforcement in case anyone of the top 5 gets injured. Why not Chahal?
— Yuv! Returns (@SpeaksYuvi) September 9, 2023
