'Hopefully I will 'crack this code' - Suryakumar Yadav keen on replicating his T20I success in ODIs during Asia Cup 2023

Suryakumar Yadav (Source: Twitter)

Many must have wondered why Suryakumar Yadav could not repeat his Twenty20 heroics in ODIs. The answer is that mastering every format is not everyone's cup of tea. Suryakumar is a nightmare for bowlers in the shorter format of the game, but he has never been a threat in the 50-over format. In just a short span of his international career, the 32-year-old has emerged as the World's No. 1 T20 batter with his extraordinary stroke play. However, he has yet to crack the ODI format which he believes he can in the upcoming Asia Cup.

Known as India's '360 player' due to his AB de Villiers-like shots, Suryakumar has scored 433 runs from 11 T20Is, including a century in 2023. On the other hand, his ODI figures are below average - 511 from 26 matches, including a hat-trick of golden ducks against Australia at home. Sky, who himself admitted during the recently concluded West Indies tour that his ODI figures are poor, however, won the confidence of the Indian management as he was named in the 18-man squad for the Asia Cup 2023, which starts on August 30.

The Men in Blue will open their campaign with a high-profile clash against Pakistan in Kandy on September 2. As part of the final preparations, the Indian players are currently in Alur, Karnataka for a five-day skill enhancement camp. Speaking ahead of their travel to Sri Lanka, the Mumbai Indians' middle-order batter said he hopes to find rhythm in the 50-over format in the premier Asian cricket tournament.

"I will try and perform the role assigned to me. This is one format I am really looking to do well. Everyone keeps saying that my T20 is going well but why can't I crack the ODI code? That's the exact word but I am practicing. I feel this is the most challenging format. You need to play all three formats in one – first with patience, then strike rotation and hit towards the end like T20 type," he said on the 'Follow the Blues' Show on Star Sports.

I am trying to maintain the same intent and approach: Suryakumar 

Suryakumar also said that he is in constant touch with head coach Rahul Dravid and senior players Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. The right-hander added that he will stick to his natural playing style and play according to the situation.

"I have been speaking with Rahul sir, Rohit, and Virat so hopefully I will 'crack this code' starting this tournament. At least I am trying to maintain the same intent and approach. That shouldn't change, but I'm trying to play more according to the situation. I always play in top gear. I am always excited when waiting for my turn to bat. When I hit a couple of boundaries and get some runs, then I feel like yes, this is my day and I'm in the zone," he added.