Suryakumar Yadav Ends 19-month Drought, Hits Brilliant Fifty In IND vs AUS 1st ODI

Surya stepped out to bat at No.6 when India required 92 runs off 17.3 overs.

Suryakumar Yadav in action.

Source : Getty

On Friday, India’s star batter Suryakumar Yadav smashed his third ODI half-century in the first ODI between India and Australia at the PCA Stadium in Mohali. Surya took 47 balls to reach his fifty, playing a crucial role in India’s five-wicket victory against the Kangaroos.

Surya scored two half-centuries in the first six ODI innings but then he struggled with his form and took 19 months to rack up his third ODI fifty. Fans and cricket pundits were constantly debating about Surya’s place in the 50-over format. But then on Friday, the Mumbai-based batter showed his class and proved that he can bat in any given format. With this win, the Men in Blue also took a 1-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.

Surya stepped out to bat at No.6 when India required 92 runs off 17.3 overs. He started slowly and went on to put up 80 runs for the fifth wicket alongside KL Rahul, who remained unbeaten on 58.

Suryakumar Yadav during the post-match presentation said,” I was dreaming of this type of innings when I started playing this format. Trying to bat deep and finishing the game, unfortunately couldn’t do it today but very happy with the result. I’d been wondering what had been happening for me in this format, the teams and bowlers were the same. I went back and reflected and realized I was probably rushing things a bit so I decided to play slower and take it deep.”

“I think it’s the first time I haven’t played a sweep. This has come from the Chandu Pandit school of arts (on his straight drives). Really enjoyed watching the openers bat. Want to try and bat the same way, bat deep, try and win games for India”, he added.

Yadav departed when India were standing on the edge of victory. Soon after he reached his half-century, Suryakumar departed. Surya is also a part of the Indian squad that will be taking part in the World Cup 2023 and the right-hand batter will be hoping to continue his good run with the bat.