Suryakumar Yadav keen to earn his Test spot back

Known for his mesmerising skills in the T20 format, Suryakumar Yadav has said that he is keen to earn his Test spot back. He was appointed India's full-time T20 international (T20I) skipper following Rohit Sharma's retirement from the format. Surya is yet to make a mark in in Tests, having played just one match so far.

There is plenty of competition in the Indian middle-order with Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, Rajat Patidar and KL Rahul ahead of him in the pecking order, but the Mumbai batter wants to give Test cricket a proper go.

"There are a lot of people who have worked really hard to earn their place and even I want to earn that spot again," Suryakumar said in Coimbatore on the sidelines of the Buchi Babu Invitational tournament.

"I made my debut for India in Tests. After that, I got injured as well. There were a lot of people who got an opportunity and have done well, too. They deserve that opportunity right now.

"Going forward, if I have to play, then I will automatically play. That's not in my control. What's in my power right now is to play the Buchi Babu tournament, play the Duleep Trophy and then see what happens. But yes, I'm really looking forward. There are 10 Test matches lined up, and I'm obviously excited for some red-ball fun."

Suryakumar has not played red-ball cricket for over a year now, but has been named in the India C side led by Ruturaj Gaikwad for Duleep Trophy 2024-25. "Red-ball cricket has always been my priority," Suryakumar said. 

"When I grew up in the maidans of Mumbai and played a lot of local cricket, I started playing with the red cherry. The love for the longest format began there, and has always been there.

"I have taken part in a lot of first-class matches for more than 10 years now, and I still cherish playing this format. There's no question about it and that's why I'm here before the Duleep Trophy.

"I will always look for an opportunity to come and play for Mumbai, be it in first-class cricket or a tournament like the Buchi Babu. A lot of international players have played in this competition before and have gone on to represent the country."

India are set to play as many as 10 Tests, starting with them hosting Bangladesh for two Tests starting September 19. Suryakumar hopes to use his experience of playing in the Buchi Babu tournament and the Duleep Trophy ahead of the domestic season for Mumbai to further strengthen his chances of a Test call-up.

"We are fortunate to have this tournament because we don't get many multi-day games back home during this weather," he said. 

"Yes, you can practise for a couple of hours, but standing in the heat for six hours and doing that three or four days in a row is only possible through a game. That's very important going forward in the Duleep Trophy and, hopefully, in Tests."

Surya has an excellent first-class record. He has slammed 5,628 runs at 43.62, including 14 tons and 29 fifties.

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