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India's T20I specialist batter Suryakumar Yadav has expressed his desire to make a comeback to the Test squad ahead of the upcoming red-ball season. With series against Bangladesh, New Zealand, and Australia lined up, Yadav is keen to re-establish himself in the Test format. Yadav made his Test debut for India in the Border-Gavaskar series against Australia in February 2023. However, he faced limited opportunities in the match, scoring 8 runs from 20 balls in India's only innings before being dismissed by Nathan Lyon. Since then, Yadav has not been considered for Test selection. He has primarily focused on limited-overs cricket, where he has excelled.
Suryakumar Yadav's pursuit of a Test comeback
Suryakumar Yadav, despite being removed from the ODI setup after his appointment as T20I captain, remains a potential candidate for a return to Test cricket. Yadav, a seasoned cricketer with 82 first-class matches under his belt, has excelled in domestic cricket, scoring 5628 runs at an impressive average of 43.62. To bolster his case for a Test recall, Yadav will participate in the Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament, followed by the Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy. Strong performances in these tournaments could pave the way for his return to the Indian Test team.
However, Yadav faces stiff competition from Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel, who have both impressed in their limited opportunities at the Test level.
Yadav acknowledges the competition and believes that those who have performed well deserve a place in the Indian Test team before him.
‘Even I want to earn a place in that Test squad’: Suryakumar Yadav
"There are a lot of players who have worked hard to earn their place in the Test squad. Even I want to earn a place in that Test squad. After I made my debut for India in Tests, I got injured. A lot of players who got opportunities have done well. Those are the players who deserve the opportunity right now," said Suryakumar Yadav on Monday, as quoted by Indian Express.
Suryakumar expressed his desire to play Test cricket for India again. However, he emphasised that the selection process is beyond his control and that he must focus on his own performances.
"Going forward, if I have to play, that is not in my control. What is in my control right now is to play this tournament (Buchi Babu), go on to play the Duleep Trophy, and then we will see what happens,” Suryakumar Yadav added.
Suryakumar Yadav further explained that the red-ball format presents unique challenges for players, requiring them to stay constantly alert and focused. While elaborating on these challenges he said:
“This format is a little challenging. You have to be one step ahead. You cannot bat like you do in a T20I match. But at the same time, intent is very important, including the body language you carry onto the ground. The thinking part of what needs to be done has to be done during the practice sessions."
"You cannot go to the game and think too much. What is in your control are the practice sessions and what you do until the start of the game. If you do well, stay humble. If you do not do well, go back to the basics and drawing board, start, and comeback again," Suryakumar concluded.
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