Former India batsman VVS Laxman has reckoned that Suryakumar Yadav is a great role model for youngsters because of the patience he has shown in his wait to get a call-up to the Indian team.
Significantly, Yadav, who was overlooked for the T20I series against Australia last year despite his stunning performances in Indian Premier League, has now been picked in the national squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against England.
“He deserves it, I think he is a great role model for youngsters, especially in India; because they lose patience very quickly — all positive run getters in first class cricket expect (themselves) to get into the Indian team — but it is difficult,” Laxman said on Star Sports.
“There is so much of quality, so much of talent and so much of competition, but what did Suryakumar do? He goes back to first class cricket, scores runs for Mumbai, whenever he gets an opportunity for Mumbai Indians he is a positive run getter, plays in tough situations and wins the match and that’s what you expect from a player,” he further said.
“Ultimately there is a saying which my coach taught me early on, ‘If the selectors are not opening the door, break open the door!’ the only way you can do that is by your performance — we’re not sure if he will get to be in the playing XI but he definitely deserves a spot in the squad of that T20 Indian team,” said Laxman.
The former cricketer also felt that Rishab Pant can be a match winner in the upcoming T20Is.
“In this situation, it could just strengthen the finishers in the Indian team because over the last one and one and half years , we are overly dependent on Hardik Pandya, and Jadeja when he comes at number 7, but he plays cameos. But if there is one batsman in the Indian batting line-up who from the first ball can play those shots is Hardik Pandya. Rishabh Pant with the kind of form and maturity; it’s not only about the form but the maturity with which he’s batted in test matches, I think he will be a matchwinner,” Laxman expressed.
“We have seen him play under pressure for Delhi Capitals and win matches. As a left-hand batsman, he gives that option where the opposition captain can feel the heat once he gets going. I think he is a great addition and I hope they don’t judge him by one or two innings because if you’re keeping in mind the world cup, it can be a long rope. Once he has the security, we know that he can win matches just by himself,” he concluded.
Significantly, the Virat kohli-led Team India will face England in the first affair of the T20I series on March 12 in Motera.