Form may be temporary but belief often defines great players. As India prepares to take on New Zealand in the first T20I on Wednesday, captain Suryakumar Yadav finds himself under the spotlight, not for big scores but for his recent struggles in the shortest format of the game. Despite a difficult 2025 season, the Indian batter remains calm, confident and determined to stay true to his approach.
Last year was a challenging one for Suryakumar Yadav in T20 internationals. Across 21 matches and 19 innings, he failed to register a single half-century. His total tally stood at 218 runs, with an average of just over 13 and his highest score was an unbeaten 47. For a player known for redefining modern T20 batting, the numbers raised eyebrows and questions.
Addressing the media ahead of the New Zealand clash, Suryakumar Yadav struck a composed tone. He shared that his preparation in practice sessions has been encouraging and that he feels good about the way he is batting. More importantly, he made it clear that he does not believe in changing his natural style just because results have not gone his way recently. According to him, the approach that brought him success over the past few years is something he trusts deeply.
He explained that every match in a series is an opportunity to learn and grow. While runs are important, he believes consistency in mindset matters more. If performances come, he will accept them with gratitude. If they don’t, he plans to return to training, reassess his game and work harder rather than abandoning his identity as a batter.
Suryakumar Yadav also spoke about the challenges the team is facing, particularly the absence of key players Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar, both of whom are sidelined due to injuries. He acknowledged their contributions and admitted that the team would miss them. At the same time, he viewed injuries as an unavoidable part of a sportsperson’s journey.
The captain pointed out that setbacks also create opportunities. With Tilak Varma and Washington Sundar unavailable, other players now have the chance to step in, prove themselves and contribute to the team’s success. He expressed confidence that the squad has enough depth to handle these changes.
As India begins another T20I series, Suryakumar Yadav’s message is clear — trust the process, back your strengths and let hard work do the talking.
