India’s head coach, Rahul Dravid, stood by the decision to include Suryakumar Yadav in the squad for the upcoming matches, despite his modest performances in ODIs, where he averages only 24.40 after 27 matches. Dravid emphasized the team’s unwavering faith in Yadav, who is the highest-ranked batsman in T20Is.
Dravid pointed out that Suryakumar Yadav possesses the quality and ability that the team has witnessed, particularly in T20 cricket. The coach believes that Yadav has the potential to be a game-changer and stresses that the management fully supports him.
Regarding Yadav’s selection, Dravid stated,
“Hopefully, he is someone who will get these three games and at least the first couple certainly to be able to develop and continue his journey as an ODI cricketer.”
Dravid also defended the decision to rest captain Rohit Sharma(C) and star batsman Virat Kohli for the first two ODIs (AUSTRALIA TOUR OF INDIA / 22 SEP – 03 DEC). He explained that it’s crucial to ensure they are physically and mentally prepared for the World Cup and that such decisions are made in consultation with the experienced players themselves.
Reflecting on India’s recent success in the Asia Cup, Dravid expressed satisfaction, noting that the team addressed many of their objectives during the tournament. He highlighted the limited opportunities the main players had in ODIs in the past and how the Asia Cup provided a chance for the full squad to participate.
In summary, Rahul Dravid reiterated India’s trust in Suryakumar Yadav, emphasized the importance of player rest and preparation for the World Cup, and highlighted the positive outcomes of the Asia Cup.
