Heading into the Asia Cup, there were considerable worries about how India’s batting lineup would perform in the absence of veteran stalwarts Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. A major concern revolved around Suryakumar Yadav, India’s sole genuinely versatile 360-degree batsman with a remarkable strike rate nearing 170. Many feared he would be under immense pressure to maintain a high scoring tempo, potentially leading to increased risks.
The prevailing apprehension was straightforward: if India’s T20 captain were to get dismissed early, the team’s scoring rate could plummet dramatically, as no other player seemed capable of replicating his unique blend of strike rotation and frequent boundary-hitting. It appeared India lacked a secondary aggressive middle-order option, similar to Australia’s Glenn Maxwell or England’s Harry Brook.
Opposing teams frequently devise specific strategies to get Suryakumar out early. Historically, when these plans succeed, India has often concluded their innings with below-par totals. On slower pitches, like those encountered in the UAE, relying on a single batter to dominate the middle overs is an inherently risky proposition. However, the thrilling match against Pakistan offered a revealing glimpse of a transformed Indian team—one that now seems equipped with a meticulously planned strategy for every type of playing surface.
“The team management has communicated to every player that, aside from the openers, all batsmen should be versatile enough to bat at any position based on the game situation. In T20 cricket, if you have seven batsmen, each needs to contribute significantly. That’s precisely what makes a team formidable,” Suryakumar stated following India’s impressive seven-wicket victory on Sunday.
This shrewd tactical approach mirrors the successful model adopted by England during their 2022 T20 World Cup triumph. During that campaign, players like Moeen Ali, Liam Livingstone, and Ben Stokes frequently adjusted their batting positions, moving up or down the order strategically, depending on specific match-ups and the evolving game scenario. Their philosophy was simple: deploy the right batsman at the opportune moment, rather than rigidly adhere to a fixed batting order.
With Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill consistently providing explosive starts, Suryakumar can now afford to temper his risk-taking when the situation demands. In the game against Pakistan, he demonstrated exactly this maturity, crafting a controlled innings of 47 runs off 37 balls to expertly guide the chase. The inclusion of Tilak Varma at number four provides valuable left-handed balance and powerful hitting across the wicket. Furthermore, Hardik Pandya at number five offers the flexibility to either stabilize the innings or accelerate the scoring, entirely contingent on the match situation. When you factor in additional versatile players like Shivam Dube, Sanju Samson, and Axar Patel, India suddenly possesses a middle order that is far less predictable and one-dimensional than it once was.
“Pressure is an inherent part of playing against any team, but that’s precisely where the enjoyment lies. If you don’t experience those butterflies, you won’t truly relish overcoming them once you step onto the field,” Suryakumar mused. While India’s batting performance might still see some fluctuations, he acknowledged, the team’s strategic direction is unequivocally clear.
Prior to Sunday’s game, Suryakumar’s highest score against Pakistan stood at a modest 18. Yet, after India lost both Gill and Abhishek midway through their chase, he confidently took charge, forging a crucial 56-run partnership with Varma. This performance vividly showcased his willingness to subdue his natural aggressive instincts for the greater good of the team.
Suryakumar candidly admitted that his past statistics against Pakistan were not stellar but emphasized his ongoing commitment to improvement. “If something doesn’t go as planned, it’s acceptable. We return to the drawing board and strive for better next time. But today, it felt truly gratifying to remain unbeaten until the very end—that was paramount,” he concluded.