Suryakumar Yadav Eyes Test Return With Buchi Babu Tournament Participation

Suryakumar Yadav, India's T20I captain, remains hopeful about his Test cricket aspirations. He has decided to participate in the Buchi Babu All India Invitation Cricket Tournament 2024, starting on August 15, representing Mumbai.

The tournament features twelve teams divided into four groups. Matches will follow a four-day format, which will benefit players preparing for the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 later this year.

As India prepares for a two-Test series against Bangladesh in September, Suryakumar aims to use the Buchi Babu tournament as a platform to make a comeback to the Indian squad. "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," he told Times of India.

The 33-year-old cricketer played his only Test match in February 2023 against Australia, scoring eight runs in his sole innings. Additionally, he was dropped from India's ODI squad after an underwhelming performance in the World Cup 2023.

Support from Mumbai's Chief Selector

Mumbai's chief selector Sanjay Patil commended Suryakumar for his initiative to join the Buchi Babu tournament. "Surya just called me to tell me that he wants to play in the Buchi Babu tournament and will be available from the second match onwards (TNCA XI at the same venue from August 27-30). Who wouldn't want a player like him to play for them? It's a huge boost for Mumbai, and I'm very happy with his gesture," Sanjay Patil told TOI.

First-Class Career Highlights

Suryakumar Yadav has an impressive first-class career record. He has played 82 matches, scoring 5628 runs at an average of 43.62. His achievements include 14 centuries and 29 half-centuries in red-ball cricket.

The Buchi Babu tournament has historically seen participation from established Test stars like Sourav Ganguly, Krishnamachari Srikkanth, and Mohammad Azharuddin. Suryakumar's involvement adds significant value and experience to Mumbai's team.

This move by Suryakumar Yadav reflects his commitment to excelling across all formats of cricket and his determination to regain a spot in India's Test squad.