Team India suffered a humiliating 10-wicket defeat in the second ODI against Australia on Sunday. Team India were bundled out for a paltry 117, thanks to Mitchell Starc's fiery spell of 5/53. In reply Australia rode on Mitchell Marsh's 66* and Travis Head 50* to chase down the lowly target in just 11 overs. This was India's biggest defeat in ODIs in terms of balls remaining (234).
Indian batting unit fell like a house of cards which saw seven of the Indian batters getting dismissed for a single digit scores out of which two of the top-order batters recorded ducks. But the batter who has come under scanner apart from KL Rahul, is Suryakumar Yadav. Rahul redeemed himself by playing a match-winning knock in the first ODI, but Suryakumar is yet to make an impact in the ODIs. The Australia series was a perfect opportunity for him with No.4 batter Shreyas Iyer absent with an injury. However, he was dismissed by left-armer Mitchell Starc in similar fashion for the same score in back-to-back matches.
Suryakumar's repeated failure in ODIs has put him under strict scrutiny. Meanwhile, former India star batter Ajay Jadeja has thrown his weight behind Suryakumar, and said that he would be shocked if India don't keep faith in the explosive batter for the final ODI of the series which will be played played in Chennai on March 22 (Wednesday).
“It would make sense if the player on the bench is forcing the doors open. Here, all are just sitting by the door,” Jadeja told Cricbuzz on being asked about Suryakumar's replacement.
“Suryakumar has himself banged the door open for himself. I doubt the Indian team would think about it (replacing Suryakumar). If they're even thinking that way, I will be shocked,” Jadeja concluded.
Suryakumar has overall failed to make an impact in the format. In 20 innings he has scored just 433 runs at 25.47 comprising only two half-centuries, the last of which came more than a year back.
Meanwhile, India's batting great Sunil Gavaskar pointed out flaws in Suryakumar's batting and has advised him to spend time with the batting coach Vikram Rathour.
“He is facing technical difficulties. Also his stance is an open one. It is good for T20 cricket because any delivery that is overpitched, he can flick it for a six. But here, when the ball is placed right near the foot, with this stance, the bat will definitely come across. It cannot come straight. Hence, if the ball turns inside, he will face difficulty. He needs to spend time with the batting coach on how to come out of this," Gavaskar said while talking to Star Sports.
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