In both the Indian Premier League and the domestic circuit, Harbhajan Singh faced Suryakumar Yadav frequently. The illustrious off-spinner suggested how Suryakumar might represent India’s deciding element in the ODI World Cup in 2023.
Suryakumar defeated some of the best bowling lineups in T20Is to win over cricket fans. He had trouble adjusting to ODI cricket, though. Many questioned why Sanju Samson, who averages over 55 in the format, wasn’t chosen instead when he was selected in India’s team for the 50-over World Cup. The management supported Suryakumar’s capacity to alter the game’s outcome with his powerful batting, though. In the most recent series against Australia, he additionally displayed signs of development by recording two significant half-centuries.
The legendary cricketer Harbhajan claims that if Suryakumar is in form, India might win the World Cup. Suryakumar would be the cricketer-turned-commentator’s second choice in India’s starting XI behind captain Rohit Sharma, he continued.
“I’m eager to see Suryakumar Yadav. An X-factor, he is. If he gains momentum, he will not only defeat you in the game but also in the competition. SKY would be the second player in my squad, after the captain, if I were a team selector. When it comes to hitting the ball and playing the standard game, Hardik Pandya is on par with everyone else. If I were a member of the team management, I would play for SKY. Who knows whether or not they will portray him? At the India Today Conclave, Harbhajan stated.
I compare Suryakumar Yadav to AB de Villiers: Harbhajan Singh
The 43-year-old made a comparison between Suryakumar and the illustrious AB de Villiers of South Africa. Harbhajan continued by saying that even if the right-handed batter didn’t succeed immediately away, he would still stick with him. The cricket player from Punjab also praised Shubman Gill, a former teammate, and said that the youngster might surprise everyone at the ODI World Cup in 2023.
“I’m not sure what Suryakumar Yadav’s problem is. When I was at my best, I wouldn’t be afraid to bowl to him today. I’m reminded of AB de Villiers by him. He is the kind of guy we need to play. I would still use him in the remaining matches even if he fails. Shubman Gill is another guy I want to mention because he has the capacity to make an impact that will last a lifetime, Harbhajan continued.
On Sunday, October 8, in Chennai, India will face five-time champions Australia to start their World Cup campaign.