Suryakumar Yadav, India’s top-rated T20 batter, recorded a dubious record of three consecutive golden ducks in the recent India vs. Australia One-Day International (ODI) series. The 32-year-old batsman’s low scores came during the Mumbai, Visakhapatnam, and Chennai matches, with Mitchell Starc claiming the first two dismissals, and Ashton Agar delivering the final blow. Yadav’s dismal performance prompted his demotion to the sixth spot on the third ODI. The list of Indian players with three consecutive ducks includes Washington Sundar, Anil Kumble, Zaheer Khan, Ishant Sharma, and Jasprit Bumrah.
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Although Yadav has established himself as a 360-degree player in the T20 format, he has yet to prove himself in the 50-over game. India’s skipper, Rohit Sharma, supported Yadav’s potential as a vital prospect for the ODI World Cup, which will take place later this year in India. However, the recent series loss against Australia indicated that the Indian team needs to address several concerns before the World Cup.
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Yadav’s performance in the India vs Australia series has been disappointing for fans, but it’s important to note that he has had a successful T20 career. In the Indian Premier League (IPL), Yadav has been a consistent performer for the Mumbai Indians and has played a key role in their success. In the 2020 season, he scored 480 runs at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 145. Yadav’s performances in the IPL earned him a spot in the Indian team and he made his debut in the T20I series against England in March 2021.
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Yadav’s struggles in the ODI series against Australia are not uncommon for Indian batsmen. The Indian team has historically struggled in the middle overs of the game, and the lack of a consistent middle-order batsman has been a problem for the team. This was evident in the third ODI against Australia, where India’s middle-order collapsed under pressure from the Australian spinners. The Indian team will need to address this issue if they want to have a successful campaign in the upcoming ODI World Cup.
The Indian batting line-up struggled under the Australian spinners’ pressure, resulting in a 21-run victory for the visitors and a 2-1 series win. India was all out for 248 in 49.1 overs, chasing a target of 270 on a tricky pitch. Adam Zampa and Ashton Agar, who snared six Indian wickets, gave away only 86 runs in the 20 overs between them, making it difficult to hit big shots. The Chepauk track’s slow nature further exacerbated the situation, making it challenging for Indian batsmen to score runs.
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Yadav’s record of three consecutive golden ducks puts him in a list of players, including Alec Stewart, Andrew Symonds, and Shane Watson, who have also experienced this feat. However, Yadav’s predicament is unique as he is the first Indian player to achieve this record in ODIs.
Although cricket is a team sport, individual player records and statistics add to the game’s excitement and unpredictability. Sports enthusiasts worldwide celebrate significant milestones and records, both positive and negative, as they highlight players’ strengths and weaknesses. Yadav’s recent feat may have been disappointing for him, but it has certainly grabbed the attention of cricket fans worldwide.
In conclusion, Suryakumar Yadav’s record of three consecutive golden ducks in the India vs. Australia ODI series has raised concerns about India’s ODI team’s preparedness for the upcoming World Cup. While Yadav’s performance was disappointing, it has certainly caught the attention of cricket fans worldwide, adding to the unpredictability and excitement of the game.
