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Surya needs to make a tiny mindset switch to succeed in ODIs: De Villiers
Follow UsThe former South Africa captain is also pleased to see SKY's name in India's World Cup squad
While Suryakumar Yadav might be at the top of his game in T20 Internationals (T20I), he is nowhere close to replicating that in One-Day Internationals (ODI). He averages just 24.33 in 24 ODI innings, which is not ideal for a batter of his calibre and also the reason why many have questioned his inclusion in the World Cup squad.
Former South Africa captain AB de Villiers believes that the No. 1 T20I batter needs to slightly tweak his mindset to enable him to reach the same level of success in ODIs as well.
"You guys know I'm a big fan [of Surya]. He plays in a similar manner to how I used to play, but in ODIs, he hasn't cracked it yet," de Villiers said on his YouTube channel.
"It is a tiny little mind switch that he's got to make, and he's got all the ability and capabilities that he needs to do that.
"I am very relieved to see SKY in the World Cup squad, I'm very happy about it. I hope he gets this opportunity in this World Cup. Looking at the balance of the Indian squad, he might not start, but a World Cup is a long tournament. So let's see what happens then."
De Villiers believes that the biggest obstacle for India in the World Cup will be that they are playing at home. He advises Rohit Sharma's men to approach the games in a fearless manner, and they could potentially replicate their 2011 feat.
"I think India's squad is incredible, really, really strong," he said.
"The only worry I have for India is playing at home. They played in India, they won. There will be huge pressure. That's the only big obstacle, in my opinion.
"But if they can get rid of that and just free themselves up, I see no problem for India. Control what you can control. But go fearless. Fearless is the word I'm looking for in the Indian squad. If they can do that, they'll go a long way and most probably lift that trophy."
Speaking of Sanju Samson's exclusion from the World Cup squad, de Villiers, who has played 114 Tests, 228 ODIs and 78 T20Is, said, "I don't have to say much about him. We know what he's capable of.
"I've been on the receiving end for Royal Challengers Bangalore, watching him score 92 not out at the Chinnaswamy. The ball was flying all over the place. He's also got the conventional cricket game and technique where he plays with a straight bat plays the ball nicely. He's got a good pull and hook shot.
"He's got everything in his bag. It's all in the mind, and it's a matter of adapting to ODI and game plans and the World Cup and the pressure thereof. So yes, two great players."