Former Indian opener Wasim Jaffer has said that Suryakumar Yadav is used to playing the T20I format now and will get used to the 50-over format after a few more matches. Suryakumar’s 26-ball 31 helped India beat New Zealand by 12 runs in Hyderabad. Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Jaffer said that Suryakumar is used to playing only the T20 format and will get used to the 50-over format after a few more matches.
“I think he is just used to playing the T20 format. He knows there is not much time in T20 cricket, but you have that in 50 overs, so he needs to understand that. He hasn’t played much 50-over cricket, but after a few more matches he will get used to it.
He said that Suryakumar looks like a million dollar player, adding that it is good that he starts his innings around 30 overs.
“Today, he looked like a million dollar player. He had a good start before getting out too soft, but it would have been better if he had started his innings closer to 30 overs. Although that would have allowed him to play for 35-40 overs. Gets time and then he can play like T20 cricket.
The 44-year-old called Suryakumar a quality player and said he can play the No.4 role for India like he does for Mumbai.
“So, ideally, if he comes closer to the 30-over mark, it will suit him and India because that is how he plays in T20 cricket. Sometimes it can get confusing when players get too many overs, but he is a quality player. He played at number four for Mumbai in first-class cricket, so he knows how to build an innings. So, he is not new to the role,” said Jaffer.
