Suryakumar Yadav, India’s dynamic T20I captain, has set his sights firmly on Test cricket, despite the fact that more than a year has passed since his solitary appearance in the longest format of the game. The 33-year-old, known for his aggressive and innovative style in white-ball cricket, is now seeking to carve out a place for himself in India’s Test side, reaffirming his desire to play in all three formats.

Pursuing Red-Ball Cricket with Mumbai

Suryakumar’s ambition to return to Test cricket is underscored by his recent decision to participate in the Buchi Babu Invitational tournament, a premier pre-season event in Tamil Nadu. Not initially named in Mumbai’s squad, Suryakumar has informed the selectors of his availability for the second half of the competition, a move that signals his intent to regain his red-ball form. He is set to play under the leadership of Sarfaraz Khan and is expected to feature in Mumbai’s match against Jammu and Kashmir starting on August 27.

Speaking to the Times of India, Suryakumar expressed his determination: “I want to play for India in all three formats. Playing in Buchi Babu will give me good practice for the red-ball tournaments this season.” This statement reflects his commitment to reintegrating himself into the Test setup, where his aggressive stroke play could add a new dimension to India’s batting order.

Test Career In Waiting

Suryakumar’s Test career has been limited to just one appearance so far, a situation he is keen to change. His red-ball credentials are not in question, with an impressive first-class record that includes 5628 runs in 82 matches at an average of 43.62, with 14 centuries and 29 half-centuries. His most recent first-class outing came in the Duleep Trophy last season, a tournament where he has previously showcased his ability to adapt his game to the demands of the longer format.

The upcoming Buchi Babu tournament is crucial for Suryakumar, not just as a means of practice but as a platform to demonstrate his readiness for Test cricket. Following this, the Duleep Trophy will offer further opportunities to impress the national selectors, who will be closely monitoring performances as they assemble teams for the season-opening competition in Anantapur.

The Road Back to the Test Squad

Suryakumar’s Test ambitions come at a time when India’s T20I schedule offers a window of opportunity. With no T20Is scheduled until the series against Bangladesh in October, he has a clear runway to focus on red-ball cricket. His recent success as India’s T20I captain, leading the team to a 3-0 series sweep over Sri Lanka, has certainly boosted his profile, but it is his desire to succeed across formats that truly drives him.

However, breaking back into India’s Test team will not be easy. The competition for places is intense, and Suryakumar will need to prove that his aggressive approach in limited-overs cricket can translate into consistent performances in the more demanding Test arena. His ability to handle pressure, adapt his game, and provide stability or aggression as required will be key factors in his bid to rejoin the Test side.

Balancing Formats: The Challenge Ahead

Suryakumar’s journey back to Test cricket will require a careful balance between his commitments across formats. While his T20I exploits have earned him acclaim, his Test credentials will be scrutinised more closely. The selectors, led by Ajit Agarkar, have already made it clear that Suryakumar is not currently in their ODI plans, allowing him to channel his energy towards the red-ball game.

In this context, Suryakumar’s participation in the Buchi Babu tournament and the Duleep Trophy could be seen as a strategic move to rebuild his Test credentials. These tournaments will not only provide him with the match practice he needs but also the opportunity to refine the aspects of his game that are crucial for Test cricket.

Suryakumar’s determination to succeed in Test cricket is admirable, and his versatility as a batsman makes him a valuable asset for India across formats. His journey back to the Test side may be challenging, but with the right performances in the upcoming red-ball matches, he could well find himself donning the whites for India once again.