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Cricket

“SKY being part of the ODI side is non-negotiable and has got the skillsets,” says Dinesh Karthik

India’s performance in the second ODI of the series was dubious, as Australia steamrolled their batting squad. India were bowled out for 117 in 26 overs, and the visitors knocked down the mark in in 11 overs, breaking many records for the hosts. While Australia’s spinners were a major issue for the Indians in the Test series, the ODI series has opened another Pandora’s door, with the Indian batters crumbling to Australia’s gleaming speed mafia.

Experienced India wicketkeeper-batter Dinesh Karthik feels Suryakumar Yadav’s participation in ODIs is a “non-negotiable,” adding that the right-handed batsman should be attempted as a number six hitter.

Dinesh Karthik, RCB’s wicket-keeper batter, made an important proposal ahead of India’s series finale against Australia before the IPL. The message was about Suryakumar Yadav, and despite the right-harsh hander’s criticism in lengthier formats of the game, Karthik feels the MI star can still be a vital component in writing India’s identity, especially in the middle order.

Suryakumar was caught lbw by inswingers from left-arm bowler Mitchell Starc on the first ball he faced in both the ODIs between India and Australia in Mumbai and Visakhapatnam. Suryakumar has only managed 110 runs in his past nine ODI innings, raising questions over whether he can recreate his T20I blitzkriegs in a 50-over format.

“He would have gotten out on those two deliveries even in T20Is. It is not that because it is ODIs, he is getting out. You have to understand that this is high-quality bowling irrespective of the format.”

“He played the two ODIs now and prior to that he didn’t play consistently. Shreyas Iyer was the preferred number four and rightfully so and Surya was the backup option. Where we need to be with Surya is to always remind ourselves of the talent he is,” Karthik told reporters.

Karthik went on to say that he would want to see Suryakumar bat at six and Hardik Pandya bat at four, with no word yet on Shreyas Iyer’s availability due to a back ailment.

“What I would like to see is if they can fit in Surya at a different place to get the best out of him. I personally feel Hardik Pandya enjoys batting really well and up top. So, is there a possibility of sending him at four and Surya at six? It is so because when you give him 15-18 overs, the way he is able to turn the game on its head is very, very good,” stated Karthik.

“Irrespective of whether there are five or four fielders inside the circle, he is able to hit boundaries at will and make a mockery out of the captain. The question is, whether India can make Hardik bat at four and Surya at six. Hardik really enjoys batting upfront; something which we saw with Gujarat Titans in IPL and even in T20Is. When you give Surya lesser overs, 14-18 overs, he is at his venomous best. It is something which team India and Rahul Dravid can ponder about. Him being a part of the ODI side is non-negotiable and has got the skillsets,” Dinesh concluded.

Surya’s status for the last ODI will be determined today, but India will need all hands on deck if they are to halt the Australian incursion, which has so far been led by one of their most seasoned and talented fast bowlers, Mitchell Starc.

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