New Delhi, Mar 17: India’s World Cup-winning skipper Suryakumar Yadav has said that while T20 cricket remains his strongest format, he still harbours a deep desire to play Test cricket.
In a candid podcast interview, Suryakumar said he feels most comfortable in T20s, describing his mastery of the format in his own words: “usmey apna haath set ho gaya hai,” indicating that he has found his rhythm and confidence in the shortest format of the game.
Love for Red-Ball Cricket
Reflecting on his early career, Suryakumar said he began with red-ball cricket and spent nearly a decade playing in domestic competitions.
“I started with red-ball cricket itself and played Ranji Trophy for 10–12 years. If you grow up in Mumbai, everything is around red-ball cricket,” he said.
Despite having played only one Test match — against Australia in 2023 — he expressed disappointment over the limited opportunity.
“One inning!” he remarked, correcting the interviewer with a smile.
T20 Success, ODI Struggles
Suryakumar admitted that while T20 cricket worked out well for him, his attempts to establish himself in One Day Internationals did not yield similar success.
“I tried a lot in One-Day cricket, but nothing really worked there. The way things were going in T20, we have got our hands set,” he said.
He described ODIs as a complex format that demands adaptability across different phases of the game.
“In ODIs, you sometimes have to bat like in Tests, then maintain a good strike rate, and finally play like T20s at the end. It’s a format I found challenging,” he explained.
Open to Test Comeback
Despite being 35, Suryakumar said he would readily embrace an opportunity to return to Test cricket.
“I would love to play Tests again. I was in love with that format. Given a chance, who wouldn’t want to play?” he said.
Debate Over ODI Future
On the future of ODI cricket, Suryakumar struck a balanced note amid growing debate about its relevance. While several former cricketers have questioned the format’s longevity, he emphasised its unique appeal.
Recalling India’s run in the 2023 ODI World Cup, he said the atmosphere and build-up were unlike any other format.
“That vibe and the journey to the final was completely different. ODI has its own charm, just like T20 and Test cricket,” he noted.
Formats with Different Appeal
Suryakumar concluded that each format brings something distinct to the game, even as T20 continues to dominate in popularity.
“Test cricket gives you satisfaction, T20 gives excitement, and ODI has its own unique balance,” he said.
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