Talismanic India batter Suryakumar Yadav on Sunday expressed a desire to represent India in Test matches, saying he was hopeful of receiving a call-up for the red-ball cricket soon.

Addressing a press conference at Mount Maunganui after cracking a scintillating ton in India’s thumping win over New Zealand in the second T20I on Sunday, Yadav, nicknamed ‘SKY’, said, “Wo time bhi aa ra hai… (That time is coming soon). We start cricket with the red ball in India. I enjoy the red ball format. I have played the red-ball format for Mumbai, in first-class cricket. I have an idea of the format and hopefully, the Test cap will come soon.” Suryakumar has had a meteoric rise in cricket ever since his debut. The batter had a phenomenal run in the T20 World Cup in Australia and is currently at the top of the T20I batters’ list.

The right-hander, who scored his second T20I century on Sunday, said he does exude confidence at the crease but doesn’t want to get complacent.

“Confidence is there but one should be wary not to let complacency creep in when runs are coming. You got to do the process right. Talking with my family members on days when I am not playing is important as it keeps me grounded. They don’t speak about cricket. They keep me in a happy zone,” said the ‘Player of the Match’ on Sunday.

To Virat Kohli tweeting, ” Numero Uno showing why he’s the best in the world. Didn’t watch it live but I’m sure this was another video game innings by him @surya_14kumar”, Yadav said he would take it as a compliment and would love to continue delivering such performances.

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“Love playing with Virat. Have to run a lot when batting with him but we enjoy batting together. We don’t talk about the game a lot as we respect each other’s game. I tell him to hold one end up while I keep carrying on with my game. He tells me to enjoy the game. I take it as a compliment and will try to perform better in the future too,” he said.

On the time he was not getting picked for the national team, he said, “I keep looking back (at those days) as it helps to know how things have changed. I constantly think about ways to get better. Improved diet, training, sleep etc has helped my game and achieve success.”

On how he, too, gets amazed seeing his shots in highlight reels, he said, “I also get amazed seeing some of my shots. I watch the highlights after going to the dressing room, irrespective of my performance. Today is a day where I’d try to be in the present and not get too ahead of myself.”

Sharing how he approaches a T20I game, ‘SKY’ said, “You have to play the format. One has to formulate a game plan at practice and come into the game with a clear mindset and positive intent. You just have to enjoy yourself.”

Suryakumar Yadav’s batting masterclass, an undefeated 111, took India to an imposing total and Deepak Hooda’s four-wicket haul helped the Hardik Pandya-led team bundle out New Zealand for 126 to clinch the second T20I at Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui by 65 runs.