India captain Suryakumar Yadav has once again found himself at the centre of debate following his modest outing in the third T20I against South Africa in Dharamsala. Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif has openly questioned the decision to persist with a reshuffled batting order, suggesting that the move is doing little to help the skipper rediscover his best form ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Suryakumar was dismissed for 12 runs from 11 deliveries in a low chase of 118, reigniting concerns about his confidence and rhythm in international cricket. Kaif pointed out that the Indian captain had a golden opportunity to bat at his familiar number three position after a successful powerplay but instead came in later at number four, a decision that limited his time at the crease.
Earlier criticism from Robin Uthappa and Dale Steyn following the second T20I had already highlighted the risks of continued experimentation at the top of the order. With Shubman Gill falling early in that match, many felt Suryakumar should have stepped in to stabilise the innings. However, the same approach was repeated in the third game, with Tilak Varma promoted ahead of the captain.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif stressed that even a steady unbeaten knock of 30 or 40 runs could have made a significant difference to Suryakumar’s confidence. He emphasised that no one doubts the batter’s class, but form remains a concern that can only be addressed by spending time in the middle.
Kaif also delivered a blunt message, stating that players cannot afford to avoid responsibility during lean phases. According to him, true comebacks are built by facing pressure head-on rather than waiting in the dugout. With limited runs left to score when Suryakumar eventually walked in, the chance to build momentum was already gone.
Despite a stellar IPL 2025 campaign where he amassed 717 runs at an explosive strike rate, Suryakumar’s international numbers this year tell a different story. In 14 T20Is, he has managed just 201 runs, adding urgency to the situation as India approach the final matches of the series and the World Cup looms large.
With only 29 runs so far in the ongoing series, expectations will be high for Suryakumar to deliver in the remaining games. The coming matches could prove crucial not only for India’s campaign but also for the captain’s quest to regain form at the right moment.
