- The initial T20 match between India and Australia was washed away by rain. Even in the cut-short match, Indian batsmen Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav made strong contributions. Captain Suryakumar Yadav scored 39 runs off 24 balls, while vice-captain Shubman Gill contributed 37 runs off 20 balls. They formed a half-century second-wicket partnership.
- In this game, Suryakumar also reached a personal landmark — he joined the list of players who have scored 150 or more sixes in T20 internationals.
- In recent times, the batting form of Suryakumar had been criticized. Although his captaincy was appreciated, his batting efforts fell short of his expectations. Most analysts opined that constant changes in his batting position may be influencing his form. Ex-cricketer Robin Uthappa also concurred with this opinion and advised that Suryakumar be provided a set batting position.
Uthappa on Suryakumar's Ideal Batting Position
- Uthappa clarified that controlling team strategy and individual form is a task for any captain. Taking decisions which require personal sacrifice to the team, e.g., altering one's batting position of preference, is never easy.
- In the opinion of Uthappa, Suryakumar plays at his best when batting at number three in T20 cricket. He said that due to having solid top-order batsmen, scoring for the middle order becomes simpler. When teams are looking to have a right-left batting line-up, as happened in the Asia Cup, Tilak Varma was promoted if a left-handed batsman is out, and Suryakumar came in place of a right-hander.
- But Uthappa feels that Suryakumar should not bat lower than number four. Keeping him above protects India's top-order batsmen and enables them to gain momentum early, which enables the team to score higher totals.
Need for Suryakumar's Forming Up for India
- Uthappa emphasized that Suryakumar's form is essential for India. As he only plays in the T20 format, consistency is key to his personal career as well as India's progress in future tournaments.
- He also opined that Suryakumar appeared confident and calm while batting at number three in the first T20 against Australia. Uthappa is of the opinion that if provided stable chances in this role, Suryakumar can overpower opposition bowlers and get India ready well for next year's big tournaments.
- Having watched his performance, Uthappa believed form is no longer a big issue for Suryakumar.
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