Dinesh Karthik expresses his vote of confidence in Suryakumar Yadav, suggests a different position for him in the batting order

India had a questionable outing in the second ODI of the series where Australia steamrolled over their batting unit. India were bowled out for just 117 from 26 overs, and the visitors chased down the target in just 11 overs, bringing forth many unwanted records for the hosts. If Australia’s spinners were a serious problem for the Indians in the Test series, the ODI series has unravelled another pandora’s box where the Indian batters have crumbled down to Australia’s glistening pace mafia.

Mitchell Starc bagged a crucial fifer to derail India’s ambitions while Sean Abbott picked a three-fer to leave India out of contention in the second ODI. There will be a lot of discussions hitting the table about how India should be going about their team for the series decider a couple of days from now.

RCB’s wicket-keeper batter, Dinesh Karthik, had a crucial suggestion ahead of India’s series finale against Australia before they break for the IPL. The message was about Suryakumar Yadav and despite the vehement criticism the right-hander faces when it comes to the longer formats of the game, Karthik believes that the MI star can still be the key factor in penning India’s difference, particularly in the middle order.

Talking to Cricbuzz, Dinesh Karthik said, “He would have gotten out on those two deliveries even in T20s. It is not that because it is ODIs, he is getting out. This is high-quality bowling irrespective of the format. He played the two ODIs now and prior to that he didn't play consistently. Shreyas Iyer was the preferred No.4 and rightfully so and Surya was the back-up option. Where we need to be with Surya is to remind ourselves of the talent he is.”

He further added, “What I like to see is can they fit in Surya at a different place to get the best out of him. I feel Hardik enjoys batting up top so is there a possibility of sending him at No.4 and Surya at six. It is so because when you give him 15-18 overs, the way he is able to turn the game on its head is very very good. And irrespective of whether there are 5 or 4 fielders inside the circle he is able to hit boundaries at will and make a mockery out of the captain. When you give Surya lesser overs, 14-18 overs, he is at his venomous best. Suryakumar in ODIs is a non-negotiable.”

Whether Surya remains to be a part of the final ODI will be answered in a couple of days from now but India will need all hands on deck if they are to stall the Australian encroachment that has so far been led by one of their most experienced and impressive fast bowlers, Mitchell Starc.