Bhubaneswar: Former Team India batsman Suresh Raina compared Mr 360 degree batsman Suryakumar Yadav with former captain MS Dhoni for his explosive batting lower down the order.
As per Raina, like Dhoni, SKY (As Suryakumar Yadav is popularly known) has the potential to make a substantial impact in the death overs.
âIf anyone can make a huge impact in the death overs apart from MS Dhoni, then itâs Suryakumar Yadav,â said Raina during an interview.
Notably, SKY had a rough year in ODIs. However, he returned to form in style right before the World Cup, smashing two half-centuries during the ODI series against formidable Australia. But, his place in the playing XI remains uncertain for Indiaâs opening match against Australia in Chennai on Sunday in the ongoing ICC ODI World Cup 2023.
With all-rounder Hardik Pandya returning to the side and right-handed batsman Shreyas Iyer also among the runs, Suryakumar could likely be on the bench for the all-important match.
Moreover, Raina believes that promising batter Shubman Gill will be Indiaâs âstrongest cardâ for the mega event.
âShubman Gill will be Indiaâs strongest card. He has been in stunning form and has figured out how he needs to play in ODIs. He has spent some time with Virat and is batting with Rohit Sharma, who has hit double centuries. Gill has also hit a double century,â said the former aggressive southpaw.
