Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar holds a strong belief that Suryakumar Yadav’s batting prowess is poised for a resurgence. He anticipates a significant improvement during the upcoming five-match T20I series in Australia, commencing this Wednesday. Nayar attributes this potential turnaround to the Australian pitches, whose inherent pace and bounce are expected to perfectly complement Yadav’s dynamic playing style.
Suryakumar Yadav (AP /PTI)
However, Suryakumar’s recent performances have been a cause for concern. During last month’s Asia Cup T20 tournament, he managed a mere 72 runs across seven matches, with his highest contribution being an unbeaten 47 against arch-rivals. In the entire 2025 season, his aggregate stands at just 100 runs from 11 innings, at a subdued strike rate of 105.26.
A notable dip in form has been observed since he took over as India’s T20I captain in July 2024, accumulating only 330 runs with just two half-centuries to his name.
Addressing the situation, Nayar shared his insights on JioStar: “This Australian tour presents an intriguing scenario. While team victories often overshadow individual displays, any sustained dip in results will inevitably spark discussions. As India’s T20I Captain and a player who has held the number one ranking in T20I cricket for a considerable period, Suryakumar’s prolonged struggle for significant scores at number three will undoubtedly lead to internal scrutiny.”
Nayar further elaborated, “We are well aware of his immense talent and game-changing capabilities. The unique conditions in Australia, with their distinct bounce and pace, should ideally favor his aggressive batting approach. Ultimately, the most pressing questions regarding his form will emerge from within the team, as his current output simply does not reflect his true potential.”
In a related press conference, Suryakumar Yadav discussed the injury status of Shreyas Iyer, his own current form, and expectations for the Australia series.
Beyond Yadav, Nayar also highlighted the critical importance of this series for the young talents in the Indian squad, many of whom will be experiencing T20 International cricket in Australia for the very first time.
He remarked, “This T20I series against Australia will serve as a crucial test for many of our emerging players. It’s their inaugural exposure to T20 International cricket against such a formidable opponent in these specific conditions. Although the environment might differ from what they will encounter in the upcoming World Cup, it offers a fresh challenge and a golden opportunity for new stars to shine. It’s a chance for several individuals to step up, build confidence, and accumulate valuable runs.”