Yadav is arguably the greatest T20I batter from India, but he has not been able to replicate his form in the ODI circuit. He averages 24.33 in the format, with two fifties in 24 innings, and managed only 78 runs in three matches in the recent ODI series against the West Indies. In 2023, Yadav’s average has slipped to 14.11, and he has struggled to cement his place. He also created an unwanted record when he registered three golden ducks in a row during the Australia series.

After playing him up the order, the team management tried him out as a finisher at No.6, giving him fewer deliveries to face, akin to a T20 game. Yadav, the top-ranked T20I men’s batter, however, acknowledges that despite their backing, he has not been able to grab onto his chances. Speaking after his blistering knock of 83 (44) in the third T20I against West Indies, he said, “If I’m honest, I know my numbers in one-day cricket are really bad,” he said. “There is no shame in saying this. We talk about honesty, you need to be honest but it’s even more important how you work and improve on it.

“Rohit and Rahul Sir have told me – this is not a format that you play a lot, you need to practice and think about what you can do and what can be done for the team. If you are batting in the last 10-15 overs, think about what you can do for the team. We want you to play 45 to 50 balls.

“That’s the signal from the team management, now you play your game in one-day cricket according to you but we want you to play 45-50 balls if you are batting in the last 15-18 overs. Now, that’s in my hand how to change that responsibility into an opportunity and how to bat bat as per the team requirement.”

It is interesting to note that current India skipper Rohit too had struggled to justify his talent in his early years. In his first 100 ODIs, he scored 2,480 runs at an average of 31.79 with two hundreds. Being asked to open during the 2013 Champions Trophy prove to be the turning point, and Rohit has, since, gone on to register 28 more hundreds. He currently averages 48.69 in the format.

Two more T20Is remain in the ongoing series, with the scoreline currently at 2-1 in the hosts favour.