Is Suryakumar Yadav's recent form in T20Is a cause for concern for Team India? What is the reason behind SKY's poor form?
Even though India continue their home T20I dominance with their 17th consecutive series victory since 2019, their captain, Suryakumar Yadav, is going through a tough phase with the bat. There is hardly any doubt behind his incredible ability to play multiple shots on the same delivery in the shortest format. But, the runs have dried up in recent times, and one could sense a little frustration for the veteran.
Surya’s overall T20I record of 2596 runs in 78 innings at an average of 38.75 is marvellous. All of his runs have come at a phenomenal strike rate of 167.27, shouldering four centuries and 21 half-centuries.
Slump in form with captaincy duties
However, there is a huge slump in his recent T20I numbers. In the last seven innings, starting from last year’s four-match series in South Africa, ‘Sky’ has clubbed just 52 runs. His average is below eight and a strike rate of 101.96 with the best score of 21 isn’t encouraging. He seemed to have lost his old shape once he was given the leadership responsibility.
Since becoming India’s full-time T20I captain in July 2024, the Mumbai-born has cracked only 256 runs in 13 innings at an average of below 20. His strike rate of 163.05 hasn’t been that effective, as he celebrated just two half-centuries in this period.
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Double-minded Sky searches for rhythm
In the on-going T20I series against England, Suryakumar Yadav is nowhere near his potential. The mode of dismissals has been really shocking. Most of the deliveries were in his hitting zone and were expected to clear the fence comfortably.
At the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, Sky was early into his flick shot against Jofra Archer. It was a slower delivery on the back of a length from the Barbados-born. Surya, on a three-ball duck, mistimed the shot as the ball lobbed up in the air off the leading edge. Phil Salt stretched his arms to grab the catch safely.
The surface at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai was a little sticky. India lost both openers early during the 166-run chase. Surya looked good initially for his three boundaries. But, he dragged the ball from Brydon Carse onto the sticks. The veteran looked to run the ball down to third man but was cramped for room.
The third T20I was just a repeat of the same story and the most frustrating of all. Mark Wood went with a short-of-a-length ball on the middle and leg. Surya stepped inside the line and aimed to scoop-flick the ball, using the pace. It was top-edged and ballooned straight in the air. Salt settled under it to collect the ball. Sky perished after another start of 14 runs in seven deliveries.
His stunning face after the dismissal at the Maharashtra Cricket Association Stadium in Pune during the fourth T20I painted his present situation. Saqib Mahmood went for a full and straight delivery. The Mumbai Indians batter, after defending the previous three balls, shuffled across to whip the ball in the cow corner. But, on a four-ball duck, he mistimed it into the hands of short mid-on. Read More: Would Varun Chakravarthy have added more value to India's CT 2025 squad?
Captaincy cap is taking a toll on Sky
Last year was really tough for the T20I superstar. The veteran smacked only 429 runs in 17 innings for India in the 20-over format. His average was down to 26.81 with a strike rate of 151.59 for just four half-centuries. This was nowhere near his three incredible years earlier.
Two factors could be the reason behind his downfall. Perhaps he is not getting crystal clear in his mindset for the shots. One of the reasons for his supreme form in the format was how confident he was with every shot. That has been a missing part of the puzzle. Over the years, opponents have also decoded his style of batting, which is quite natural in this modern age.
Another genuine issue could be the leadership pressure. Since shouldering the responsibility, he tried to carry some needless extra burden. These are the same deliveries that a free-minded Sky would put into the stands. Afterall, he is still one of the best strikers of the ball.
Sky’s keys to improvement
Having missed out on India’s ODI and Test side, Suryakumar Yadav’s entire focus should be on the shortest format. He just needs to spend a little more time in the middle, even if that means playing out a few deliveries. Once he gets the old touch back, the two-time T20 World Champions will be more dangerous with the willow.
The T20 World Cup 2026 is fast approaching, and there’s no doubt that Suryakumar Yadav’s form and batting contributions will be crucial for the Blue Brigade’s title defense. With the on-going England series already sealed, there’s no added pressure heading into the fifth and final match. Now, the action shifts to the Wankhede Stadium—a ground Suryakumar knows better than anyone. Could this be the innings he has been waiting for?
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