Suryakumar Yadav has long been known as one of the most expressive and fearless batters in modern T20 cricket. His rise from domestic cricket to world dominance was built on confidence, innovation and trust in his instincts. But now, as India’s T20I captain, he finds himself facing a very different challenge.
The questions around Suryakumar Yadav’s form have grown louder in 2025 and the numbers make uncomfortable reading. The Indian skipper is averaging just 14.2 in T20Is this year, a sharp contrast to the player who once topped the global rankings. Among players with at least ten innings in a calendar year, only Axar Patel has averaged fewer runs per game than him. More strikingly, no captain from a full-member nation has crossed 200 T20I runs in a year while averaging lower than Suryakumar.
Despite this, Suryakumar Yadav has chosen not to retreat or panic. After India’s third T20I win over South Africa in Dharamshala where he scored 12 off 11 balls, he firmly pushed back against the idea that he is out of form. In his view, the runs have simply not shown up yet. He spoke about how beautifully he has been batting in the nest, putting in the work during practice and controlling everything that is within his reach. According to him, form is not something that disappears overnight and when the time is right, the runs will come.
There have been factors that explain, though not excuse, his struggles. Suryakumar Yadav’s batting position has constantly shifted this year due to team combinations and experimentation. That lack of clarity has made it harder for him to settle into a rhythm. Even so, on the field, he has often looked unlike the dominant batter fans are used to seeing, adding to concerns.
What works in his favor is India’s results under his leadership. While the team does not yet look like an unstoppable unit, they have responded well under pressure. The seven-wicket win in Dharamshala came after a heavy loss in Mullanpur, showing the group’s ability to bounce back.
Suryakumar Yadav highlighted that response as a key positive. He spoke about how setbacks force teams to learn, reflect and simplify their approach. After the previous defeat, the bowlers spent time together, the team had honest discussions and practice sessions focused on basics rather than drastic changes. That return to simple cricket, he felt, made the difference.
For now, Suryakumar Yadav remains defiant but grounded. He knows the scrutiny that comes with captaincy and poor form, yet he continues to trust his process. Whether belief alone can turn numbers around remains to be seen but India’s captain is clearly not ready to doubt himself just yet.
