as a countdown to ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 The momentum is gaining, expectations from defending champion India are sky high. With the team entering the global event as the team to beat, much of the spotlight rests firmly on the captain Suryakumar YadavWho will lead India for the first time in a T20 World Cup. Known for his fearless strokeplay and unmatched range, Suryakumar is seen as the heartbeat of India’s batting unit. His form, role and leadership will play a decisive role in shaping India’s title defence.
Suryakumar Yadav’s poor form raises concerns before T20 World Cup!
Despite his stature in World T20 cricket, Suryakumar’s recent form has been a major talking point in the mega event. The 35-year-old had a forgettable 2025 in the shortest format, managing only 218 runs at an average of 13.62 in 21 T20Is. What was even more worrying for Indian fans was that he was unable to convert starts into goals, his last half-century coming against India in October 2024. bangladesh.
However, recent visits have shown encouraging signs. In the first T20I against new zealand Suryakumar looked much more confident at the crease on January 21 in Nagpur. His innings of 32 off 22 balls might not have been a big score on paper, but it had glimpses of the Sky of old – fluent against spin, inventive in stroke selection and active during the middle overs. He had a 99 run partnership with Abhishek Sharma The third wicket played a crucial role in India’s 48-run win and gave fans reason to believe that a turnaround might not be far away.
Also read: Irfan Pathan picks Shreyas Iyer’s batting position in T20 series against New Zealand
Irfan Pathan chose Suryakumar’s batting position
Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan The focus has now shifted to the discussion, offering a clear solution to maximize Suryakumar’s impact in the T20 World Cup. Speaking on Star Sports, Pathan strongly supported the Indian captain to bat at No. 4, calling it the most suitable position for him in the shortest format.
According to Pathan, Suryakumar’s dominance in the middle overs makes him an ideal candidate to control the game after the powerplay is over. He highlighted the batsman’s exceptional ability to deal with spin, especially through his sweep shots and unorthodox angles, as the main reason behind his suggestion.
“No. 4. The way he has dominated the middle overs over the years with his ability to play sweeps and spin well. So, I think that’s his position.” Pathan said.
The former cricketer believes that allowing Suryakumar to play when the spinners are on can help India maintain the pace, while also saving them from excessive pressure early on. With the right batting slot and new-found confidence, Suryakumar can once again become India’s biggest match-winner as the defending champions prepare for another T20 World Cup challenge.
Also read: Irfan Pathan chosen Team India’s ‘glue’ for T20 World Cup 2026
