'Surely an X-factor': Virender Sehwag Lauds India for Persisting With Struggling Star in ODIs

The concerns surrounding the Indian team continue to dissipate with each passing ODI. Ahead of the Asia Cup 2023, there were form and fitness issues that a few of their players were dealing with but it appears now that they have been dealt with and the team now looks fully geared to launch their bid for a third ODI world cup title triumph.

The consistency that KL Rahul has shown ever since making his international return earlier this month has effectively solved their worries over a reliable batter at No. 4. In Ishan Kishan they have a specialist wicketkeeper-batter capable of facing the new ball and marshalling the innings in middle overs too.

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The bowlers have been nothing short of excellent thus far. And now with Suryakumar Yadav hitting a half-century against Australia in Mohali, India have ticked another box.

Suryakumar has been backed to the hilt by Rahul Dravid despite him failing to score and ODI half-century 19 innings in a row.  On Friday, he took the first step in leaving behind the poor phase that saw him registering three golden ducks in a row, incidentally against Australia.

Former India opener Virender Sehwag has lauded the team for keeping their faith in Suryakumar who has been struggling to replicate his T20I success in ODIs.

Sehwag feels the middle-order batter will be an X-factor and someone who can intimidate opposition.

“Happy for @surya_14kumar. He is surely an ex-factor (sic). Not many players have the ability to play in the gear that he can and he surely has the game to create fear in the minds of opposition. Great that we have persisted with him and he will be an asset. Congratulations Bharat,” Sehwag posted on X (formerly Twitter).

The 33-year-old himself was quite happy with the innings of 50 off 49 that saw him struck five fours and a six in a winning cause.

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“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,” Suryakumar said after India’s five-wicket win.

Suryakumar says he dug deep and realised where things were going wrong.

“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,” he said.