Suryakumar Yadav of India during the first T20i match between India and Bangladesh held at Shrimant Madhavrao Scindia Cricket Stadium, Gwalior, India on the 6th October 2024. (Sportzpics)
Suresh Raina on Sunday said that Suryakumar Yadav cold have been an X factor for the Indian Champions Trophy side if he was included in the squad.
“Surya was an integral part of the World Cup squad, he is a 360 player who can score at 9 runs per over at any stage of the game. He can dominate the opposition and bats in a different way. If Surya was there there would have been an X-factor, he will be missed. The responsibility will be now on top 3 who are not in form. Surya is someone who can bat in any position,” Raina said on Star Sports Press Room.
Surya, who will lead India against England in the 5-match T20I series, starting on January 22 in Kolkata, was excluded from the Champions Trophy squad on Saturday. Another big name who missed out was pacer Mohammed Siraj.
“Siraj was in a different form in Australia but you can change the squad till 12 February. So I feel Siraj can be back in the side if Bumrah is not fully fit. Harshit Rana has done well. He has good pace, good bumper, variation, yorker and pace. He and both Arshdeep Singh can bowl at the death but I still feel, Siraj is a better option if Bumrah is not there,” Raina said.
Returning to the international schedule after eight years, the Champions Trophy will be held in a hybrid model with India playing their matches in Dubai while the remaining games will be held in three venues in Pakistan. India will open their campaign on February 20 against Bangladesh, followed by group games against Pakistan and New Zealand in the eight-team tournament.
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