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India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav addressed the ongoing speculation about his potential return to Test cricket. He expressed a calm and patient approach, stating that he is not in a rush and will take his time to consider a return to the longer format. As India gears up for their four-match T20I series against South Africa, Suryakumar emphasised his commitment to his current role as T20 captain and his focus on performing well in each format.
If it has to happen, it will happen: Suryakumar Yadav on his Test comeback
Suryakumar has become a pivotal player for India in T20I cricket, taking over the captaincy after Rohit Sharma's retirement following India's T20 World Cup 2024 victory. His dynamic batting style and consistent performances have made him a popular figure among fans. While many are eager to see him make a mark in Test cricket, Suryakumar revealed in the pre-match press conference that he is taking inspiration from Rohit Sharma and is not rushing his return to the longer format.
"Test comeback, when the times comes, it will happen by itself. I am playing all domestic tournaments, be it red-ball or white-ball. If it has to happen, it will happen. I have learned a lot from Rohit (Sharma) bhaji," Suryakumar said in the pre-match press conference ahead of first T20I against South Africa.
Suryakumar, at 34 years old, has only one Test match under his belt, which came against Australia in Nagpur in 2023. Despite showing promise in the longer format, he hasn't had another opportunity to play Test cricket since. As India's Test team prepares for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, Suryakumar's absence from the squad indicates his current focus on white-ball cricket.
While fans are eager to see Suryakumar's unique blend of aggression and control in Test cricket, the player himself has clarified that his priority is T20I cricket. He has expressed that he will let his transition to Test cricket happen naturally, if and when the right opportunity arises.
As India commences their T20I series against South Africa, Suryakumar Yadav's form and leadership will be crucial to the team's success. His patient approach towards a potential Test comeback demonstrates his maturity and strategic thinking. While he remains open to the possibility of playing Test cricket in the future, his current focus lies on excelling in the shorter formats, particularly T20Is.
India's T20I squad for series against South Africa
Suryakumar Yadav, Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Rinku Singh, Tilak Varma, Jitesh Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Ramandeep Singh, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ravi Bishnoi, Arshdeep Singh, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Avesh Khan, Yash Dayal.
South Africa T20I squad for series against India:
Aiden Markram (c), Ottneil Baartman, Gerald Coetzee, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Patrick Kruger, Keshav Maharaj, David Miller, Mihlali Mpongwana, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Andile Simelane, Lutho Sipamla (3rd and 4th T20Is), and Tristan Stubbs.
IND vs SA T20I series' full schedule
SA v IND, 1st T20I: November 8, 2024, 5:00PM, Durban
SA v IND, 2nd T20I: November 10, 2024, 4:00PM, Gqeberha
SA v IND, 3rd T20I: November 13, 2024, 5:00PM, Centurion
SA v IND, 4th T20I: November 15, 2024, 5:00PM, Johannesburg
