Suryakumar Yadav vows to 'break the door down' for India recall after 21-ball 60
Suryakumar Yadav said he would push for an India recall after hitting a 21-ball 60 for Mumbai in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy on Saturday. His innings propelled Mumbai to chase 173 in 13.1 overs, producing a seven-wicket victory with 41 balls to spare over Hyderabad.
Suryakumar had spent a difficult few months out of the national team after being left out of India's T20I plans following the T20 World Cup triumph, and he admitted the omission had hurt him. "After winning the World Cup, you naturally expect that you will play after the IPL or whenever India's first series takes place. Because you have won a major tournament, and winning an ICC event is not easy, especially on home soil, something nobody had achieved before," Suryakumar was quoted as saying by PTI. He said the disappointment has now become a source of motivation.
The former India captain said the setback has reignited the hunger that drove his earlier rise in the international side and that he is determined to capitalise on domestic opportunities to force his way back. The 35-year-old said he wants to make the most of his chances in domestic cricket and earn another shot at international selection. "The same hunger I had earlier to play for India, when I used to score runs after returning to domestic cricket, has come back again. If I want to play for India again, I will have to break the door down once more. All right, let's do it," he said.
Suryakumar paid tribute to Mumbai Cricket Association president Ajinkya Naik for naming him captain of the state side during a challenging period in his career, saying the appointment reflected continued trust. "To stand by me during that difficult period, show support and make me the captain of the state team again - he could have chosen someone else. He had that option, but the responsibility, love and respect he has given me mean a lot. I will always remain grateful and humble for that," he said.
On the changing demands of T20 cricket, Suryakumar outlined the need for sustained attacking intent through the middle overs and greater boundary output. "After that, when we bat between overs seven and 15, it is important to maintain the same intensity and intent, even when playing for India. If we have to score 250-260, then that is what we have to do, and I am trying to follow that approach," he said. "The 'high-risk, high-reward' game in the middle overs has always been part of my batting. But now I am trying to understand how I can take even more risks and hit more boundaries and sixes because T20 cricket has become a format dominated by boundaries and sixes," he added.
Addressing the selectors' decision, Suryakumar acknowledged they "must have had their reasons" while reiterating how the hurt has been channelled into renewed purpose. "But the selectors must have had their reasons and must have thought things through before taking that decision. But yes, I was hurt. If you don't feel sad or hurt, how will you turn that into passion, and how will you play with that passion? That is what I am trying to do now," he added.
With an India comeback on his agenda, Suryakumar will look to build on his Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy start for Mumbai. Consistent performances for the state side could strengthen his case for a return to the national team, as he seeks another opportunity to represent the country.
