India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, has set his sights firmly on making a comeback to the Test arena by dedicating himself to domestic red-ball tournaments. Fully aware of the stiff competition ahead, Suryakumar understands the need for perseverance to reclaim his spot in the Test squad.
“There are many players who have toiled hard to earn their position, and I wish to earn that place again,” Suryakumar commented while speaking to ESPNcricinfo in Coimbatore during the Buchi Babu Invitational tournament. “I made my debut for India in Tests, but an injury put a brake on my progress. Other deserving players have seized the opportunity and performed well. They rightfully deserve their spots at the moment.”
Reflecting on his approach, Suryakumar added, “If I am meant to play, it will naturally happen. However, that’s beyond my control. What I have in my hands now is to perform well in the Buchi Babu tournament, aim for the Duleep Trophy, and see what follows. I am excited for the upcoming ten Test matches and looking forward to enjoying some red-ball cricket.”
Suryakumar has not been seen in first-class action since his last appearance in the Duleep Trophy, nearly 13 months ago. While his contributions to India’s T20I success are well-documented, his transition into the ODI format has been less impactful. Nevertheless, Suryakumar’s first-class record is impressive. Over the course of 82 first-class games, he has scored 5,628 runs at a solid average of 43.62, including 14 centuries and 29 fifties.
Despite his significant achievements in shorter formats, Suryakumar’s affection for red-ball cricket remains undiminished: “Red-ball cricket has always been my priority. Growing up in the maidans of Mumbai, playing local cricket, my journey began with the red cherry.
. The love for the longest format took root there and has stayed strong.”
Suryakumar continued, “I have participated in first-class cricket for over a decade and still cherish the format deeply. There’s no doubt in my mind about its significance and that’s why I’m here, ahead of the Duleep Trophy. I always seek an opportunity to play for Mumbai, whether in first-class matches or in tournaments like the Buchi Babu.”
He emphasized the importance of domestic platforms like the Buchi Babu tournament in shaping a player’s career: “Numerous international stars have graced this competition and have gone on to represent the country.”
Looking to the horizon, Suryakumar’s optimism is palpable. India’s upcoming schedule features ten Test matches, and the seasoned cricketer is eager to showcase his skills and contribute meaningfully. For Suryakumar, the immediate path involves mastering domestic fixtures and leveraging them as a gateway back to the Test team.
In the meantime, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) continues to roll out its plans for domestic and international cricket. The ICC has announced revised warm-up fixtures for the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, with India set to play two matches. Meanwhile, the BCCI has named the squad for the Women’s T20 World Cup, though suspense hangs over Shreyanka Patil’s participation.
In another development, star Indian players Mohammed Siraj and Ravindra Jadeja have pulled out of the Duleep Trophy, citing personal reasons. This opens the door for other players to make their case, emphasizing the importance of domestic tournaments as a proving ground for national selection.
For Suryakumar, the road to reclaiming a Test berth is clear yet demanding. It hinges on consistent performance, resilience, and seizing every opportunity presented by domestic cricket. As he sets his sights on the Duleep Trophy and beyond, his journey underscores the intrinsic value of domestic competitions in shaping the future of Indian cricket.
