India batting coach Vikram Rathour said that Suryakumar Yadav was asked to play his game on his Test debut in the first match against Australia in Nagpur.
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 10, 2023 22:18 IST
Ravi Shastri presented Suryakumar Yadav his Test cap on February 9. (Photo: Twitter/RaviShastri)
By India Today Web Desk: India batting coach Vikram Rathour revealed the conversation he had with Suryakumar Yadav ahead of his Test debut, saying he told the batter to play his game.
Suryakumar made his maiden Test appearance in the first match of the Border-Gavskar Trophy against Australia. The World No.1 T20I batter, however, could not adapt to the Test conditions and was dismissed for just eight runs.
However, Rathour said that he is hopeful that Suryakumar will get some runs in his next innings.
“At this level, I think adaptability is a very important factor. He was asked to play his game, he has his method to score runs,” Rathore said in the press conference after the stumps on Day 2.
“Batting is I believe all about scoring runs, you need to find your way to do that. That was the message given to him, and everybody actually. Today unfortunately he got a decent ball and got out. It is okay. Hopefully he will get some runs in the next innings.”
Earlier, Suryakumar received his Test cap from former India head coach and 1983 World Cup champion Ravi Shastri on February 9. Shastri penned a heartfelt note for Suryakumar to “shine on”.
“Surya – shine on. You redefined batting in T20s and now it is turn of the truest form – Test. Be yourself,” Shastri tweeted.
India reached 321/7 at stumps, with Ravindra Jadeja (66*) and Axar Patel (52*) in the middle on Day 2 after India captain Rohit Sharma hit his ninth Test hundred. India lead Australia by 144 runs in the ongoing first Test.
