Indian white-ball star Suryakumar Yadav has expressed his intensions of making his way back into India’s red-ball setup. However, Suryakumar Yadav is also incredibly aware of the tough challenge lying ahead with Shreyas Iyer, Sarfaraz Khan, KL Rahul and Rajat Patidar vying for a spot. Yadav made his Test debut for India in the Nagpur Test against Australia in the Border-Gavaskar-Trophy last year.

He could not play the entire series after being sidelined due to an injury. Now, Yadav is eying his place in India’s red-ball side with a commanding performance in Buchi Babu tournament. 

"There are a lot of people who have worked really hard to earn their place and even I want to earn that spot again. I made my debut for India in Tests. After that, I got injured as well. There were a lot of people who got an opportunity and have done well too. They deserve that opportunity right now. Going forward, if I have to play, then I will automatically play. That's not in my control. What's in my power right now is to play the Buchi Babu tournament, go on to play the Duleep Trophy and then see what happens. But yes, I'm really looking forward. There are ten Test matches lined up and I'm obviously excited for some red-ball fun," Yadav told Star Sports. 

Ahead of India’s T20I series against Sri Lanka last month, Yadav was named India’s full-time skipper in the shortest format after Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from T20 international at the end of T20I World Cup 2024.

Under Yadav's captaincy, India swept the T20I series, winning all three games. Yadav, meanwhile, has maintained that red-ball cricket has been his priority. After Buchi Babu game, Yadav will return to play Duleep Trophy, where he will play under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy. 

"Red-ball cricket has always been my priority. When I grew up in the maidans of Mumbai and played a lot of local cricket, I started playing with the red cherry. The love for the longest format began there, and has always been there. I have taken part in a lot of first-class matches for more than ten years now and I still cherish playing this format. There's no question about it and that's why I'm here before the Duleep Trophy.”