Suryakumar Yadav finding form is a timely positive for India, strengthening their batting momentum before T20 World Cup 2026.
Suryakumar Yadav finally returned to his fluent best on January 23, 2026, in the second T20I against New Zealand in Raipur, producing a captain’s knock of unbeaten 82 off just 37 balls to guide India home in a tricky chase.
Walking in after early wickets, he first steadied the innings and then shifted gears effortlessly, striking nine fours and four sixes at a strike rate of 221.62. The innings not only sealed the match for India but also ended a prolonged run drought for their T20 captain, offering timely reassurance ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
For a player known for dominating attacks across the world, this wasn’t just another half-century. It felt like the moment when the old SKY finally returned.
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Numbers that highlighted slump
The struggles leading up to this innings were not just visible in his batting but also stark on paper. Since November 2024, Suryakumar had endured one of the toughest phases of his T20I career. Across 22 innings in this period, he managed only 244 runs at an average of 12.8, without registering a single half-century.
For a batter who once dominated the format with a strike rate well above 150 and regularly produced match-winning contributions, this dip was unexpected. Starts rarely converted into substantial scores, and dismissals against both pace and spin became frequent. The fearless 360-degree stroke-maker looked unusually tentative, and the runs simply refused to come.
Team winning, but spark missing
Interestingly, India’s overall performances didn’t collapse alongside his form. Under Suryakumar’s captaincy, the team continued to win bilateral series and maintained a strong win percentage. Different players stepped up and carried the side forward.
Yet, there remained a visible gap in the middle order. In T20 cricket, the No. 4 batter often dictates the tempo of the innings. For India, that role belongs to Suryakumar. When he isn’t scoring, the batting line-up looks solid but lacks that sudden explosiveness that can change games within a few overs. As captain and middle-order aggressor, his runs carry extra weight.
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IPL form proved his ability was intact
What made the slump puzzling was that the struggles were largely limited to international cricket. In the IPL, Suryakumar looked in complete control, scoring 717 runs in 16 matches during the 2025 season at an average of 65.18 and a strike rate of 167.92, with five half-centuries and a highest score of 73*. The scoops, ramps and lofted drives were all still there. Those numbers clearly showed that the problem wasn’t ability or technique — it was more about rhythm and confidence at the international level.
Those performances suggested the issue wasn’t technical. The skill hadn’t disappeared. It was more about rhythm and confidence. As he had himself said, he wasn’t out of form — just out of runs.
Raipur brings breakthrough
The breakthrough finally came in Raipur. With India chasing and early wickets down, Suryakumar resisted the urge to attack recklessly. He rotated strike, assessed conditions and let his partner counterattack. Once set, he switched gears seamlessly.
A key moment came in the ninth over when Suryakumar decided to take on New Zealand pacer Zakary Foulkes. The over completely shifted the momentum of the chase as 25 runs came off it, with the India captain dismantling the bowler with a range of strokes. He smashed four boundaries and a six, mixing scoops, lofted drives and shots behind square to put the field under immediate pressure. That one over broke New Zealand’s control, tilted the game firmly in India’s favour and allowed Suryakumar to dictate terms for the rest of the chase like an experienced finisher.
His unbeaten 82 wasn’t just stylish; it was responsible. He stayed till the end and ensured there were no late hiccups, exactly what you expect from a captain.
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What should be SKY’s ideal batting position?
This innings once again reinforced why the No. 4 spot remains Suryakumar’s ideal position in the line-up. The numbers back it up — in 54 innings at this spot, he has scored 1,771 runs at an average of 39.4 and a strike rate of 167.1, including 14 fifties and three hundreds. Batting at four gives him the perfect balance: enough time to rebuild if early wickets fall and enough overs left to launch an assault. It allows him to switch seamlessly between stabiliser and aggressor, making him the heartbeat of India’s middle overs. With the World Cup approaching, sticking to this role offers both clarity and stability to the batting unit.
More than technique, it was about mindset
Beyond the numbers, what stood out in Raipur was SKY’s mindset. Throughout the lean patch, Suryakumar maintained that nothing was fundamentally wrong with his game. He kept repeating that he was “not out of form, just out of runs,” showing belief in his process even when results didn’t follow.
In Raipur, it seemed like he finally rediscovered that comfort zone. The timing returned, gaps opened up and the instinctive strokeplay flowed again. At this level, that mental clarity often makes the biggest difference.
SKY on fire.. absolute class.. great to see him back in form.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 23, 2026
Relieved captain, reassured team
The relief was evident after the game. Speaking to Harsha Bhogle during the post-match presentation, Suryakumar Yadav admitted that the runs were much needed and that he was happy to contribute at an important time for the team. It wasn’t an over-the-top reaction, just quiet satisfaction from someone who knew how long he had waited for this moment.
When a captain scores, the effect spreads across the dressing room. Confidence rises, plans become clearer and the entire unit plays with more freedom. Heading into a global tournament, that psychological boost is invaluable.
Positive sign ahead of World Cup
Ultimately, this innings was about timing. After months of questions around his form, Suryakumar Yadav has rediscovered his touch just when India need him most. An in-form SKY transforms the middle order from steady to explosive and gives India the X-factor few teams possess.
If Raipur is the start of Suryakumar Yadav’s return to form, India couldn’t have asked for better timing. With the T20 World Cup 2026 coming up, their captain finding runs again is a huge boost. When SKY scores, the whole team plays with more freedom and confidence. As leader and match-winner, he will be key to India’s campaign — and this knock might just be the spark they needed going into the World Cup.
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