Former Indian cricketer predicts end of Suryakumar Yadav's ODI and Test career

Chopra believes that the national selectors have made a decisive move, effectively side-lining him from the longer formats of the game

PHOTO: AFP

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has boldly declared the likely end of Suryakumar Yadav's aspirations in One-Day Internationals (ODIs) and Test cricket.

With the recent announcement of Suryakumar as India’s T20I captain, Chopra believes that the national selectors have made a decisive move, effectively side-lining him from the longer formats of the game.

His assessment comes as the Indian cricket team gears up for the upcoming Bangladesh Test series. The commentator pointed out that with intense competition for spots in the Test squad, Suryakumar's chances of making the cut are slim to none.

According to him, the team management and selectors are now focusing on players who offer more versatility, leaving little room for Suryakumar in both ODIs and Tests.

“Not in the near future (On when will Sky play in ODI or T20). I think that decision has already been taken by the selectors and team management. There is not much cricket now. And I think the selectors and team management have just decided that they won't keep Suryakumar Yadav in the team. They are like that; we will consider SKY as a T20 specialist," Chopra said.

"That means there is no chance in Test cricket. There is a different level of competition in tests. There are so many players who want to come in. I don't think SKY will play in the next Test series. Check out the squad for Bangladesh Tests. Sky won't play now. 50-over cricket and 5-day cricket won't happen now for him,” he added.

Chopra also highlighted the potential of other players like Prasidh Krishna, advocating for a clear roadmap for talents like Avesh Khan, who was a reserve bowler for the T20 World Cup 2024.

It is worth noting that after the commencement of the two-match Test series against Pakistan, Bangladesh will then play another two-match Test series against India.

The first Test is set to take place from September 19 to 23 in Chennai, followed by the second Test from September 27 to October 1 in Kanpur.