With the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan fast approaching this Sunday, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed significant apprehension regarding the batting form of captain Suryakumar Yadav. Yadav’s performance in the tournament has been underwhelming, accumulating a mere 71 runs across five innings. This tally includes a solitary unbeaten 47 during the group stage encounter against Pakistan, followed by a disappointing duck in the subsequent Super Four clash last week.
Suryakumar’s current international struggles stand in stark contrast to his sensational form in the IPL earlier this year, where he amassed an impressive 717 runs. However, his 2025 international record paints a different picture, with only 99 runs scored in 10 innings at a strike rate of 110, highlighting a troubling dip in performance.
Suryakumar Yadav of India (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)
Speaking candidly on Sony Sports, Pathan drew a direct link between Yadav’s batting prowess and his leadership. “If his bat performs, his captaincy will also benefit. Getting out while attempting a sweep is a concern. This has been the pattern throughout the year. He has played one or two innings in international cricket, but runs have been scarce. The IPL was outstanding, but he hasn’t replicated that form in internationals,” Pathan observed.
Pathan specifically highlighted Yadav’s repeated dismissals while attempting the sweep shot, a tactic he believes needs immediate reconsideration. He advised a fundamental shift in strategy for the struggling batsman: “He needs to overcome this. We discussed this during commentary in the last match as well. When a player is out of form, it is better to play straight, especially against fast bowlers. Yet today he got out playing a sweep against a spinner. This team will be stronger if he finds his rhythm.”
Since assuming captaincy, Suryakumar has managed 329 runs in 19 innings across 21 matches, averaging a modest 19.35 with only two half-centuries. He has only surpassed the 20-run mark six times while maintaining a strike rate above 145. As India gears up for the final, all eyes will be on Suryakumar Yadav to see if he can rediscover his explosive form when it matters most.