(Cricket news) India’s ODI series against Australia is tied at 1-1 after 2 games. Suryakumar Yadav got out in similar fashion in the 1st ball of both the matches to Mitchell Starc. SKY has become a stalwart in T20 cricket but in ODIs things are completely different. In 22 ODIs, Suryakumar Yadav averages 25.5 at a striker rate of 102.4 while his highest score is 64 which is his only half century. Despite that he is continuously being backed to bat number 4. Shreyas Iyer is the designated batter in that position but due to his injury issues SKY is getting a lot of opportunities.

It is understandable why Suryakumar Yadav was given the first few opportunities by India as he was doing incredible things in T20Is. There are other players who have done much better in less opportunities who could’ve been given more chances. Sanju Samson averages 66 at a strike rate of 104.8 in 10 ODIs but he isn’t even in the squad. Deepak Hooda who can bowl off spin is also a candidate and he too hasn’t gotten many chances. The number 4 spot was very controversial during the last ODI World Cup and India need to make sure that they do the right thing this time around. 

SKY will almost definitely play the 3rd ODI at the M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai as India don’t have another option in the squad unless they take a risk of playing Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja or Axar Patel there. This may be his last chance to play there and he will have to make it count. Shreyas Iyer will take back his place once he returns but SKY will be looking for a place as his in the 15 man squad. If he does fail to score in the next game then he is likely to be left out of the next ODI squad.

Also read: India and Australia gear up for the decider 3rd ODI at Chepauk