RAVI SHASTRI FINALLY OPENS UP ON SURYAKUMAR YADAV'S ABSENCE FROM TEAM INDIA SQUAD FOR AUSTRALIA TOUR    

Mumbai Indians (MI) star Suryakumar Yadav has been one of the most consistent batsmen for his IPL team over the past three years. He has not just flawed fans and cricket experts in the domestic circuit but has also continued his impressive run for MI in IPL 2020. 

Ever since his exclusion from India's squad for the upcoming tour of Australia hit headlines, fans have criticized BCCI selectors for not including him in the team. His exclusion from the T20I squad has created a furore on social media with several experts and former cricketers expressing disappointment.

Last week, Suryakumar failed to make the cut as the Sunil Joshi panel announced India's ODI, T20I, and Test squads for the Australia tour which will begin next month.

Meanwhile, India head coach Ravi Shastri finally broke his silence on Suryakumar's absence in the squad. Earlier this week, Shastri suggested the MI star be patient and wait for his opportunity to arrive. 

"That's why we say to these youngsters - be patient. Like Suryakumar there are 3-4 other players on the fringe but when you have a team that is packed with talent and experience it becomes very difficult to get in," Shastri told Times Now in an exclusive interview.

"I remember period in my career when 1-6 in the Indian batting line-up everyone was certain of their places and it was difficult for anyone to penetrate that middle-order and yet you had some people who were scoring tons of runs in domestic cricket and knocking at the door," he added.

Further talking about Suryakumar and his talent, Shastri said players like him need to stay positive and keep working on their game to make the most of the opportunities when they come their way.

"For all the youngsters I have one message - be patient and when you get your opportunity grab it with both hands. That's the time you don't mess up. Instead of being disappointed be positive in your mindset that when you get the opportunity make the most of it," said Shastri.

 "If you look at this team that's going if any of the players in the batting line-up had been dropped you would be asking how are they dropped," he further explained.

So far, Suryakumar notched up 512 runs in 14 games for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2018 striking at over 133. He followed it up with 424 runs in 16 games last season at a strike rate of over 130.

Meanwhile, in the ongoing season, he has played an instrumental role in MI's success with 374 runs in 13 games so far at a strike rate of over 153.