India's middle-order batter, Suryakumar Yadav has stated that he would try to crack the code of excelling in the 50-over format ahead of the upcoming Asia Cup, adding that he is having conversations with head coach Rahul Dravid, as well as skipper Rohit Sharma and talismanic batter Virat Kohli in this regard.
Suryakumar, the top-ranked T20I batter, has played 26 ODIs and averages only 24.33 at a strike-rate of 101.38. The right-handed batter made scores of 19, 24 and 35 in the recent ODIs against the West Indies, and before that, he was dismissed for three consecutive first-ball ducks against Australia at home in March.
“This (ODI) is one format in which I’m really looking forward to doing well. Everyone is saying 'T20 is going good for me, both are white-ball cricket but why I am not able to crack the code in the 50-over format?' But, I am doing my practice because according to me, this format is the most challenging one,” Suryakumar told Star Sports.
“The reason behind this is because here you have to play like the other 3 formats. First by setting down with calmness and composure, then rotating the strike well, followed by at last the T20 gameplay," he further added.
India's T20 star also stated that he is having constant conversations with his coach, Rahul Dravid, alongside teammates Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, about ways of improving his ODI game.
"So, balance is very important in this format, and for that reason, I am doing a lot of practice and also having conversations regarding this with Rahul Sir, Rohit bhai, and Virat bhai. Hopefully, with this tournament going forward, I will crack the code,” he said.
Trying To Keep My Intent Same: Suryakumar Yadav
The right-handed batter is hopeful that his hard work in the ongoing camp in Bengaluru will help him crack the ODI code in the Asia Cup.
“I am just trying to keep my intent and approach the same at least because it’s very important to stick to your approach when you are playing this sport. But I am trying to play with the situation," he said.
Suryakumar added that he always looks to be ready for anything, irrespective of the situation in the match.
“I always remain in top gear. I always feel excited when I am in the dugout because I eagerly wait for the time when I will go to bat. Also, if I get dismissed on the first ball, still I have no problem because my preparation and excitement inside the dugout remain the same,” he added.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)