Former Indian wicket-keeper batsman Farokh Engineer has backed Suryakumar Yadav to make his Test debut in the 3rd Test against England which is slated to be played at Headingley from 25th August. Engineer wants Suryakumar Yadav to be included in the XI at the expense of Cheteshwar Pujara or vice-captain Ajinkya Rahane.
Both these batters are not going through the best of runs in the recent past. However, in the Test at Lord’s, the experienced duo shared an important century stand which ensured India recovered from a precarious situation following the loss of Virat Kohli’s wicket. While Rahane scored a 146 balls 61, Pujara also fought his way through to 45. However, Engineer still feels that SKY should be included in the XI at the expense of either of them.
"Firstly, I am a huge fan of Suryakumar Yadav. I think he is a class player. I would certainly prefer him to Pujara or Rahane. They are class players, very good players, but Suryakumar Yadav is a match-winner. With Shreyas Iyer out of the team with injury, I think Suryakumar should certainly be in the team. He is an aggressive player; he will get you a quick hundred, a quick 70-80. He is a fabulous batsman, fabulous fielder and a wonderful human being as well," Engineer was quoted as saying by Sports Tak.
Meanwhile, Surykumar Yadav was rewarded with a place in the Test team after impressing in the shorter formats. He and Prithvi Shaw completed their quarantine and joined the team at Lord’s. Both of them is available or selection for the 3rd Test.
"Firstly, I am a huge fan of Suryakumar Yadav. I think he is a class player. I would certainly prefer him to Pujara or Rahane. They are class players, very good players, but Suryakumar Yadav is a match-winner. With Shreyas Iyer out of the team with injury, I think Suryakumar should certainly be in the team. He is an aggressive player; he will get you a quick hundred, a quick 70-80. He is a fabulous batsman, fabulous fielder and a wonderful human being as well," Engineer told Sports Tak.
Given the fact that both Pujara and Rahane scored some important runs in the Lord’s Test, it is highly unlikely that Suryakumar Yadav will get his maiden Test break in the 3rd encounter.