India's prominent Test batsmen did not make a significant impact upon their recent return to the Ranji Trophy; however, T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav has had a different experience. Recognized as one of the leading batsmen globally in the T20 format, Suryakumar has faced a slight decline in form but managed to score 70 runs off 86 balls in Mumbai's second innings against Haryana during the Ranji Trophy quarterfinal.

He formed a crucial partnership of 129 runs with captain Ajinkya Rahane, who concluded Day 3 not out on 88 runs from 142 balls, including eight boundaries and two sixes. In contrast, Suryakumar had a disappointing first innings, scoring only nine runs from five balls at Eden Gardens, where Mumbai was ultimately saved by the efforts of their bowling all-rounders, Shams Mulani and Tanush Kotian. His half-century in the second innings reflects an overall improved performance from the Mumbai batting lineup.

Although he is celebrated worldwide for his skills in the T20 format, Suryakumar has been active in first-class cricket for 15 years, having made his debut in a Ranji Trophy match against Gujarat in February 2010. Before this match, he had accumulated 5,656 runs in 84 first-class matches, boasting an average of 42.84, with 14 centuries and 29 half-centuries to his name.

Suryakumar continuing to aim for Test cricket

Suryakumar has been on the fringes of the Indian Test team for a short duration, having participated in a single match against Australia in February 2023 in Nagpur. In that match, he batted only once, scoring eight runs off 20 balls. Furthermore, Suryakumar has struggled to translate his T20I achievements into ODIs, accumulating 773 runs in 37 matches at an average of 25.76, which places him low in the selection hierarchy for the 2025 Champions Trophy.

Despite not having approached the Test team since his lone appearance, Suryakumar expressed last year his desire to make a return. "Looking ahead, whether I play or not is beyond my control. What I can control is my performance in this tournament (Buchi Babu), followed by the Duleep Trophy, and then we will see what unfolds," he stated. His decision to return to the Ranji Trophy shortly after captaining India in the fifth T20I against England indicates that Suryakumar remains optimistic about securing a place in the Test squad.

Read Also: Dev Kumar Meena Sets New National Pole Vault Record

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!