Really happy with the confidence Rohit has shown in me: Suryakumar

Having made his debut in 2021, Suryakumar Yadav has grown from strength to strength in this Indian playing XI, becoming an indispensable part of the white-ball setup. First, the right-hander impressed the selectors in the shortest format before showing the same kind of form in the 50-over format. 

The 31-year-old has pipped Shreyas Iyer in the playing XI, at No.5, and has already shown his worth in the limited-overs series against England with a century in the third T20I. The right-hander, ahead of the ODI decider spoke about his camaraderie with Indian skipper, Rohit Sharma. 

"Camaraderie has been really good. He's been watching me and talking about my cricket since I played domestic cricket," Suryakumar said on the eve of the third ODI between India and England.

"Coming into IPL in 2018-19 we used to talk about how I can improve my game, handle pressure situations and move forward. We have had a lot of chats about my game and I have literally felt him on the ground whenever he's leading. I have learnt a lot from him.”

Suryakumar also showed his delight over the confidence that Rohit has shown in him ever since he took over as the captain of the national team. Whilst he got out cheaply in the second ODI, the right-hander aims to thunder-down the English bowling unit in the decider. 

"I'm really happy he has shown a lot of confidence in me. I would like to pay back that confidence by scoring runs and winning the game for the team."

"My mind set is the same in ODI, I try to bat similar to how I do in T20. Playing the natural game is important and there is an advantage in one days that five fielders are inside the circle so the intent is always to score runs.

The Mumbaikar also opened up on his approach, stating that the scoreboard should always be ‘ticking’, which is also one of his operating principles in white-ball cricket. 

"Even if the wickets are falling I try to keep the scoreboard ticking. It is a good motivation, obviously I was happy and there was an opportunity to make the team win. It feels nice that people expect from me. I got motivation form that to perform for the team, win the match," he added.