‘He will have to wait’ – Legendary cricketer’s blunt verdict over Suryakumar Yadav’s inclusion in ODI World Cup 2023

The Indian Cricket Board has announced the final 15-member squad for the ODI World Cup 2023 on September 27. Notably, the squad has marked some notable absences and exclusions. Star batter Suryakumar Yadav gets the nod despite his poor record in 50-over formats. However, the middle-order batter has recently performed well in the first two ODIs against Australia, which allows him to fix his spot in the ODI World Cup.

Meanwhile, former India cricketer turned analyst Sunil Gavaskar is not fully convinced of Suryakumar Yadav’s inclusion in the suqad. The legendary cricketer feels the right-handed batter has not done anything big in ODI cricket. In addition, the former India skipper admits that he will be an excellent player as well, as he can utilize his T20 abilities in final overs.

“Suryakumar hasn’t done anything big yet in ODI cricket. He only bats in those final 15-20 overs where he utilizes his T20 abilities which undoubtedly is important as well,” Sunil Gavaskar said being quoted by NDTV Sports.

If Suryakumar Yadav does get a chance, he has to score a big hundred: Sunil Gavaskar

However, the well-renowed cricket commentator feels that the same job can be done by other batters, such as KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Ishan Kishan, and Shreyas Iyer. The 74-year-old cricketer feels Shreyas Iyer will take the number-four spot in the ODIs owing to his magnificent performance in the series against Australia. Moreover, the former opening batter says that the 33-year-old cricketer has to smash runs at number four to clinch the place in ODIs.

“But Hardik, Ishan and Rahul can all do that same job as well. So Iyer is confirmed for No. 4. Suryakumar will have to wait and if he does get a chance at No.4 he has to score a big hundred and show that he can also score a ton as well,” he added further.

Meanwhile, Team India is all set to face England on September 30 for the warm-up fixture.