India's middle order batsman Suryakumar Yadav said he will focus on maintaining his attacking style of play and not alter his approach to earn a spot in the team for the T20 World Cup.
A second-choice Indian squad in currently in Sri Lanka for a limited overs series that starts on July 13 with the first of three ODIs.
Virat Kohli is leading another bunch of players in England where they are preparing for a five-match Test series that starts next month. In Sri Lanka, Shikhar Dhawan is leading the team, with the squad full of T20 specialists. For Yadav, it is an opportunity to stand out.
Yadav was a key player for the Mumbai Indians team who won back-to-back Indian Premier League titles. He was also impressive during his India debut in March, scoring 57 and 32 in two T20s against England.
The 30-year-old batsman aims to continue playing the way that has worked well for him so far.
“It has been a great experience at Mumbai Indians since I have been in the set-up for a long time,” Yadav was quoted as saying by Reuters.
“Every year I have learnt something different from my teammates there, and that tournament is a great learning process. As you saw when I made my [India] debut, it was the same thing happening. I didn't do anything different.”
Asked if he was looking for more consistency to secure his place for the T20 World Cup, Yadav stood his ground.
“I have been enjoying this role. Whatever position they tell me to bat in, I'll be the same — I'll just go there and express the same way I do in every game,” he said.
Meanwhile, Yadav revealed all-rounder Hardik Pandya is close to achieving full bowling fitness in T20 cricket. Pandya was not selected for India's tour of England, which included the World Test Championship final, as he is on a long road to recovery following back surgery.
“I think that the team management and Hardik know their responsibilities really well, so they were taking a call,” Yadav was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo. “Here, in the intra-squad game, he did bowl in the nets. He is bowling. It is his and the team management's call how they want to go about it. But yes, he is bowling and it is a very good sign.”
-
Mumbai Indians won the IPL title for the fifth time after defeating Delhi Capitals by five wickets in Dubai in 2020. -
Mumbai Indians with the 2020 IPL trophy in Dubai on Tuesday. -
Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma celebrates the win in the final against Delhi Capitals. -
Quinton de Kock and Rohit Sharma powered Mumbai Indians to a comfortable win over Delhi Capitals in the IPL final in Dubai on Tuesday. -
Rohit Sharma hit a match-winning fifty for Mumbai Indians in the final against Delhi Capitals. -
Ishan Kishan has been a revelation for Mumbai Indians. -
Jayant Yadav of Mumbai Indians celebrates the wicket of Shikhar Dhawan of Delhi Capitals. -
Trent Boult gave Mumbai Indians an electric start with the ball against Delhi Capitals in the final in Dubai on Tuesday. -
Nita Ambani, co- owner of Mumbai Indians, cheers her team in Dubai. -
Rishabh Pant of Delhi Capitals scored a fifty on Tuesday. -
Marcus Stoinis of Delhi Capitals celebrates the wicket of Quinton de Kock. -
Shikhar Dhawan of Delhi Capitals is bowled by Jayant Yadav. -
Shreyas Iyer, captain of Delhi Capitals, celebrates his fifty.
