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Talismanic India batter and the captain of the T20I side, Suryakumar Yadav expressed his desire to make a comeback to the Test squad before India’s red-ball season jets off. The T20I specialist is currently participating in the ongoing Buchi Babu Tournament and has his eyes set on his return to the longest format. Yadav said that red-ball cricket has always been his priority. Notably, Yadav made his Test debut for India in February 2023, during the Border Gavaskar Trophy.
The Maharashtra-native could come up with only eight runs off 20 deliveries and was ruled out of the entire series due to an injury. Yadav doesn’t hold an impressive record in the longest format and is currently looking to be back in the white jersey for India, on the back of his remarkable performance in the Buchi Babu tournament as well as the Duleep Trophy.
Red-ball cricket has always been my priority: Suryakumar Yadav
The 360-degree Indian batter spoke to Sports Star and said that the longest format of cricket has always been his priority. Surya, fondly called SKY by fans and teammates alike, said, "Red-ball cricket has always been my priority. When I grew up in the maidans of Mumbai and played a lot of local cricket, I started playing with the red cherry. The love for the longest format began there, and has always been there. I've taken part in a lot of First Class matches for more than 10 years now and I still cherish playing this format.”
He added, "I will always look for an opportunity to come and play for Mumbai, be it in First Class or a tournament like the Buchi Babu. A lot of international players have played in this competition before and have gone on to represent the country." Speaking about his Test comeback, the 33-year-old batter said, “There are a lot of people who have worked really hard to earn their place and even I want to earn that spot again. I made my debut for India in Tests, and after that, I got injured.”
Yadav emphasised, “There are a lot of people who got an opportunity and have done well too. They deserve that opportunity right now.”
