"After a long time, India has got such a batsman" - Former India skipper feels Suryakumar Yadav should play all formats

Former India skipper Mohammad Azharuddin feels the hosts made the right decision by including in-form batter Suryakumar Yadav in their Test squad for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against Australia next month.

There has been a lot of talk about how 'SKY' received the Test call-up because of his stunning T20I form. Some feel it is unfair to other batters who are working so hard in domestic cricket.

However, speaking to PTI, Mohammad Azharuddin explained why the hosts cannot afford to keep a player like Suryakumar Yadav out of any squad at the moment.

He said:

"When the player is in form, it's not right to have them on the bench. Suryakumar Yadav has the potential to play for the Indian team in all three formats. He has also done well in his last Ranji match. After a long time, India has got such a batsman who can play in all formats."

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Mohammad Azharuddin on Ishan Kishan's Test call-up for India

Along with Suryakumar Yadav, wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan also received his maiden call-up to the Test team. The hosts have faced a huge blow with the absence of Rishabh Pant, who suffered long-term injuries after a horrific car accident.

While many wanted KS Bharat to will replace Pant, Azharuddin explained why Ishan seems to be the front-runner for the No. 5 spot.

He stated:

"Ishan Kishan has been selected in the Indian Test team on his recent form. I think he will be a stronger contender for the wicket-keeper batsman option. He is a left-handed batsman."

It will be interesting to see if either of Ishan Kishan or Suryakumar Yadav gets a look into the playing XI for the first Test.

Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad: Rohit Sharma (Captain), KL Rahul (vice-captain), Shubman Gill, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KS Bharat (wk), Ishan Kishan (wk), R. Ashwin, Axar Patel, Kuldeep Yadav, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohd. Shami, Mohd. Siraj, Umesh Yadav, Jaydev Unadkat, Suryakumar Yadav.

(Note: Ravindra Jadeja’s inclusion in the squad is subject to fitness.)