IND vs ENG: Suryakumar Yadav won't get into playing XI in first ODI - VVS Laxman

VVS Laxman. Pic/AFP; Suryakumar Yadav. Pic/Shadab Khan

The topic of Team India's playing XI is a hot one right now with question of players like KL Rahul, and Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer making the cut. Suryakumar Yadav put on a splendid show at the recently-concluded T20I series between India and England. But will he feature in the playing XI for the ODIs?

Speaking exclusively on Star Sports show Cricket Connected, former Team India batsman VVS Laxman feels Suryakumar Yadav, who made his international debut in the India-England T20I series, may not find himself in the playing XI for the 1st ODI, "I actually don't know whether he will get to play in the playing XI and that's the depth in this Indian team. Whether you take Test, one-day or T20I cricket, Suryakumar Yadav doesn't get into the playing XI just because there are others who have performed exceedingly well in international cricket. Yes, he's in form, but I would definitely go with players, who have shown that consistency in international cricket. So, for me, he won't get into the playing XI in the first ODI."

VVS Laxman also went on to analyse his choice between Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer, "I think it is very difficult to just choose one among both, Suryakumar Yadav and Shreyas Iyer, because what really interests me was the way Shreyas Iyer batted at No. 6. He batted with authority, conviction and just understood the situation and played his shots right from the word go. Because we know that he is ideally suited for No. 4. He has done so well in both, one-dayers and T20Is in that position, but for the first time I have seen him bat at No. 6, and he didn't disappoint anyone. Suryakumar Yadav is also someone who has got the talent, but with experience, I feel Shreyas Iyer will be my pick ahead of Suryakumar Yadav. Because we just can't rely on one or two innings and we cannot really discount Shreyas Iyer's performances in international cricket. Yes, Suryakumar Yadav has done really well for Mumbai Indians in the IPL, but Shreyas Iyer has been very consistent in whatever opportunities he got at the highest level. So, I will always choose Shreyas Iyer to do that role."

Catch India vs England's 1st ODI LIVE and Exclusive on the Star Sports Network & Disney+ Hotstar VIP on 23rd March 2021 at 1:30 PM