‘Always been my priority’ Suryakumar Yadav sets sights on Test comeback through domestic success

It won’t be an overstatement to say that India has not produced a bigger match-winner than Suryakumar Yadav in T20s. While most of them have potential, SKY has mixed his X-factor with an exceptional dose of consistency, and only he knows how. 

However, just like every cricketer, he knows that the ultimate format of cricket is the Test cricket. Leave aside all the glitz and glamour of the shortest format; a toil that a cricketer goes through five days of high-intensity cricket in a red-ball game and coming out victor gives immense satisfaction. However, looking at Suryakumar Yadav’s game, one might disregard his long-format credentials simply by gazing at his outlandish abilities in the shortest format.

Love for Test cricket: Suryakumar Yadav

While he is already a legend in T20s, Suryakumar Yadav boasts an average of 43.62 at a strike rate of 63.74 in 82 first-class matches. SKY made his debut for Mumbai way back in 2010 and to regularly feature and muster 5,628 runs for a star-studded Mumbai team is commendable itself. While speaking to the Hindu, Suryakumar spoke about his motivation to play red-ball cricket.

“Red-ball cricket has always been my priority. When I grew up in the maidans of Mumbai and played a lot of local cricket, I started playing with the red cherry. The love for the longest format began there, and has always been there. I’ve taken part in a lot of First Class matches for more than 10 years now and I still cherish playing this format. There’s no question about it and that’s why I’m here before the Duleep Trophy,” he said.

Suryakumar to play Buchi Babu on Aug 27

The red-ball season will begin for SKY from Tuesday, August 27. The flamboyant batter will be on the field for Mumbai to play their next game in the ongoing Buchi Babu tournament against TNCA XI. Alongside him will be another India hopeful Shreyas Iyer, who made his international comeback in the recent ODI series loss against Sri Lanka.

“I will always look for an opportunity to come and play for Mumbai, be it in First Class or a tournament like the Buchi Babu. A lot of international players have played in this competition before and have gone on to represent the country.,” SKY added.

Sights on Test comeback?

The Indian cricket team schedule is jam-packed with Test cricket. Two Tests against Bangladesh, three against New Zealand and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) to end the year. As many as 10 high-quality Test matches await the nation, and SKY has set his sights. Needless to say, it will be extremely tough for him. Number of players are in contention, and SKY has to really done something extra ordinary in order to come into notice.

Fair to say, Suryakumar acknowledges this but still has that ultimate dream to make his comeback in the most difficult format of the game. “There are a lot of people who have worked really hard to earn their place and even I want to earn that spot again. I made my debut for India in Tests. After that, I got injured as well. There were a lot of people who got an opportunity and have done well too. They deserve that opportunity right now.”

“Going forward, if I have to play, then I’ll automatically play. That’s not in my control. What’s in my power right now is to play the Buchi Babu tournament, go on to play Duleep Trophy and then see what happens. But yes, I’m really looking forward. There are 10 Test matches lined up and I’m obviously excited for some red-ball fun.”