Suryakumar Yadav eyes ODI comeback, seeks AB de Villiers's advice
What's the story
Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav is aiming to revive his ODI career. In a bid to resurrect the same, the 35-year-old has requested legend AB de Villiers to guide him. Suryakumar recently led India to the Men's T20 Asia Cup title and is currently playing in a T20I series against Australia. Speaking to Vimal Kumar, SKY said he wants to learn how to balance his game across two white-ball formats.
ODI cricket
Suryakumar yet to prove his mettle in ODIs
Suryakumar, who is already a T20I legend, has played only 37 ODIs and a solitary Test. The Indian batter was given an extended run in ODIs in 2023, but the World Cup final against Australia was his last appearance. Having made his ODI debut in 2021, the 35-year-old played some impressive knocks batting in the middle order. However, inconsistency marred his route.
Statement
'Please get in touch'
In his latest interview, Suryakumar requested de Villiers to guide him. Notably, Suryakumar's batting style is likened to that of de Villiers around the globe. "If I meet him, then I would like to ask him how he managed to balance his T20I and ODI games. I thought ODIs should be played like T20Is," said Suryakumar. "If you are listening to this, please get in touch with me quickly because there are important three-four years lying ahead for me ."
Career outlook
ODI strike rate of over 105
Suryakumar's ODI strike rate is an impressive 105.02, but his average is a modest 25.76. He has scored 773 runs from 35 ODI innings with four half-centuries. With plenty of options available for the middle-order position, he will have to deliver strong performances in domestic cricket to make his way back into the ODI squad.
Performance review
Exploits in T20I cricket
As mentioned, Suryakumar's exploits in T20I cricket are unmatched. He has slammed 2,734 runs at a strike rate of 164.20 (4 tons and 21 half-centuries). In the Asia Cup, Suryakumar managed just 72 runs from six innings at a strike rate of 101.40. Suryakumar is now leading India in the Australia T20I, with the 4th and 5th T20Is scheduled for November 6 and November 8, respectively.
ABD
Do you know?
De Villiers has the second-most ODI runs for South Africa. In 223 ODIs, he slammed 9,427 runs at an average of 54.17. His strike rate reads 101.27. He has the fastest century in ODI cricket (31 balls vs WI, 2015). De Villiers, one of the most prolific hitters, struck at 135.16 in T20Is. This was in an era where T20 cricket was evolving.