Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Parthiv Patel said Suryakumar Yadav will need runs in the five-match T20I series against South Africa, starting Tuesday. Yadav hasn’t been in the best of form in T20Is and it would be crucial for him to get back amongst the runs before the all-important T20 World Cup.

The Indian skipper had managed 84 runs in four innings against Australia at an average of 28 and a strike rate of 171.43. In the Asia Cup, Yadav had failed to lead from the front, managing only 72 runs in six innings at an average of 18.

Parthiv Patel said on Star Sports, “It is true that if you look at Suryakumar Yadav, the batter, there is a need for runs. He got a start in Australia, and we got some glimpses. We have seen some innings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well, but those big runs haven’t come.”

Patel highlighted that the square leg to fine leg region is Yadav’s strength but at the same time, he is targeting the balls that are bowled at stumps. The former Gujarat captain advised Patel to play a few balls before launching his attack.

“Talking about the leg-side, the flick is his favorite shot. He picks the length quickly and is very fast with his footwork. If we look at his scoring areas, 50 percent comes from the fine leg to the leg-side region.

“Most of the shots you hit in those areas are off the balls that are bowled into the stumps. That means you are taking a lot of risk. I feel he should take some time, and if that happens, we will again see him score those runs on the leg side.”

Yadav has all the experience under his belt and he would look to make the most of it to get back into form.

The first T20I between India and South Africa will be played at the Barabati Stadium, Cuttack, on Tuesday.