ODI World Cup 2023: Virender Sehwag backs Suryakumar Yadav as ‘X-factor’ for India

Former explosive opener Virender Sehwag feels that flamboyant batter Suryakumar Yadav can be the ‘x-factor’ for the Indian team in the upcoming ODI World Cup 2023 to be played on home soil.

Sehwag’s statement came after India’s Mr 360 degree batsman struck a flawless 49 ball 50, which included five fours and a six, in the first ODI against Australia in Mohali. Surya who had been going throw a slump in the ODI format for a long time, ended a 21-match drought with a half-century.

Sehwag hailed Suryakumar after his knock, saying not many batters can create fear in the minds of the opposition.

“Happy for @surya_14kumar. He is surely an ex-factor. Not many players have the ability to play in the gear that he can and he surely has the game to create fear in the minds of opposition. Great that we have persisted with him and he will be an asset. Congratulations Bharat,” Sehwag tweeted.

Notably, India rode on the half century by Surya, a century partnership between openers Shubman Gill-Ruturaj Gaikwad, and veteran pacer Mohammed Shami’s five-wicket haul to beat Australia by five-wickets in the first ODI in Mohali on Friday.