AB de Villiers, one of the greatest batsmen of all time, believes a ‘mindset switch’ ahead of the World Cup can help Suryakumar Yadav, popularly known as ‘SKY', translate his T20I form into ODI cricket.
What did AB de Villiers say about SKY?
The South African legend talked about the similarities between himself and the current world no.1 in T20I and the tweak he needs to make to perform across formats. He also expressed how happy he was to see Suryakumar in the squad and how he can help in the long run.
“I am very relieved to see SKY in the World Cup squad, I'm very happy about it. I hope he gets this opportunity in this World Cup. Looking at the balance of the Indian squad, he might not start, but a World Cup is a long tournament. So let's see what happens then,” claimed AB on his YouTube channel.
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“You guys know I'm a big fan (of Surya). He plays in a similar manner to how I used to play, but in ODIs, he hasn't cracked it yet,” It is a tiny little mind switch that he's got to make, and he's got all the ability and capabilities that he needs to do that.
De Villiers on India’s World Cup challenges
The former RCB batter also talked about India’s potential approach in the World Cup and the challenges they will face. AB believes India should adopt a fearless approach amidst the home pressure they will be facing, which will be the main challenge.
“I think India's squad is incredible, really, really strong,” he said. “The only worry I have for India is playing at home. They played in India, they won. There will be huge pressure. That's the only big obstacle in my opinion.
“But if they can get rid of that and just free themselves up, I see no problem for India. Control what you can control. But go fearless. Fearless is the word I'm looking for (in) the Indian squad. If they can do that, they'll go a long way and most probably lift that trophy.”
De Villiers on Sanju Samson
AB talked about how good a player Sanju Samson is, with a good technique and a wide range of strokes. However he also pointed out that like Suryakumar Yadav it is about adaptation across formats for the Rajasthan Royal captain.
“I don't have to say much about him. We know what he's capable of. He's also got the conventional cricket game and technique where he plays with a straight bat, plays the ball nicely. He's got a good pull and hook shot.
“He's got everything in his bag. It's all in the mind and it's a matter of adapting to ODI and game plans and the World Cup and the pressure thereof. So yes, two great players,” De Villiers expressed.
India will face Australia to begin their quest for the title on 8 October at MA Chidambaram Stadium.
