Cricket

Brian Lara picks Suryakumar Yadav’s batting position for the T20 World Cup 2024

May 8, 2024

The cricket fraternity is buzzing with anticipation for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, slated to unfold in the West Indies and the United States of America (USA) from June 2 to June 29. The tournament has sparked discussions among former cricketers and experts regarding players and their respective team roles. Joining this conversation, legendary cricketer Brian Lara has shared his thoughts on Suryakumar Yadav‘s batting position in the Indian lineup.

Brian Lara suggests batting position of Suryakumar Yadav

In a conversation with PTI, former West Indies captain Lara endorsed Suryakumar as his preferred choice to occupy the No. 3 batting position for India in the upcoming global event. Lara praised Suryakumar, currently ranked as the ICC’s top T20I batter, emphasizing that India would squander a valuable asset if they do not include him in the top 3. He drew parallels with the venerable Sir Vivian Richards, who excelled in a similar position during his playing days.

“My one advice, and I don’t know if you’re going to like it or not, but Sky has to bat at three. He just has to bat at three. He is one of the greatest T20 players in the game. And you speak to players like Sir Viv, and he will tell you he used to want to get out there in the middle,” said Lara, as quoted by PTI.

“And I feel that that’s the same thing with SKY. So, get in on it as quickly as possible. He’s not an opener, get him out there and if he can bat for 10-15 overs, you know what’s going to happen,” he added.

Expanding on Suryakumar’s potential, Lara expressed that India would be formidable with the 33-year-old batter opening the innings, and he could also effectively lead the team if he bats second. However, Lara emphasized the importance of a well-defined batting lineup structure for the Men in Blue.

“He is going to put you in an unassailable position if you bat him first, or he’s going to win the game if he is batting second. And then let everybody sort of position themselves outside of that, but a good structure is important,” Lara said.

Also READ: Ravi Shastri signals out two players vital for India’s success in the T20 World Cup

Suryakumar’s performance in T20Is

The standout batter has amassed 2141 runs from 57 T20I innings, displaying an impressive strike rate of 171.55 and an average of 45.55. Noteworthy among his performances are 4 centuries and 17 half-centuries. Remarkably, Suryakumar has also demonstrated his prowess in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024. Representing Mumbai Indians (MI), the star player has accumulated 334 runs in 9 matches at a strike rate of 176.72 and an average of 41.75. Recently, he played an unbeaten knock of 102 runs off 51 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).