World No 1 T20I batter for over six months, Suryakumar Yadav seemed destined for great things in the shorter format. However, the last 12 months have been rocky for the batter. Averaging just 18.42 in 14 innings, SKY struggled since T20 World Cup 2024 final. But the IPL 2025 gave him a chance to correct course. SKY had his best season in IPL as he smashed 717 runs at an average of 65.18 and a strike rate of 167.92. Hence, the batting part is sorted. However, in the run-up to the T20 World Cup 2026, the Asia Cup 2025 will be his first big test as the captain, especially with Shubman Gill breathing down his neck to take over the reins.
So far, Captain Suryakumar Yadav has aced the bilateral test, having won 17 out of 22 matches. He has a winning percentage of 79.54. SKY has never lost a T20I series since taking over captaincy from Rohit Sharma. Now, he will face the biggest test in the Asia Cup. Despite his exploits in the shorter format, SKY has not done well in big matches. As he is the captain now, he would want to lead by example against Pakistan, as well as in the Asia Cup final if India qualify.
India under Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy
| Series | Mat | Won | Lost | Tied | Start Date | H/A | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India vs Australia | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 23 Nov 2023 | Home | India |
| South Africa vs India | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 12 Dec 2023 | Away | drawn |
| Sri Lanka vs India | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 27 Jul 2024 | Away | India |
| India vs Bangladesh | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 6 Oct 2024 | Home | India |
| South Africa vs India | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 8 Nov 2024 | Away | India |
| India vs England | 5 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 22 Jan 2025 | Home | India |
T20I Captaincy battle
While Hardik Pandya seemed destined to take over the mantle from Rohit Sharma permanently, the BCCI pulled off a surprising move. Hardik was removed, citing workload management and a history of injuries. SKY, being the World No 1 batter at that time, got the nod.
However, post T20 World Cup 2026, India will have a new T20I captain with SKY set to be 38 in T20 WC 2028. Shubman Gill, who has already been appointed the Test captain and will soon become the ODI captain, is all set to take over the reins from SKY. But it could be delayed.
If India win the Asia Cup and go on to retain the T20 World Cup in 2026, Suryakumar Yadav will have a strong case to continue as captain until 2028. But first, he will have to ease nerves by winning the Asia Cup.
Asia Cup challenge
India will start as favourites in the Asia Cup. Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir have a strong squad. The same squad could continue to be the core for T20 World Cup next year at home. With Afghanistan and Pakistan as the only strong challenges, SKY won’t have a better tournament to show his leadership skills.
India’s path to the Asia Cup Super 4 is simple. Beat two weaker sides in the UAE and Oman. However, the India vs Pakistan match will put SKY’s leadership qualities to the test. With many Indian fans already raising their voice against playing Pakistan after the Operation Sindoor and Pahalgam terrorist attack, it is a cricket match India can’t afford to lose. While Pakistan are not the best side in T20 anymore, a young Indian side will be challenged due to the pressure of expectations. SKY must handle that situation. The Mumbaikar is known to be cool and calm under pressure, like MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma. And that will be key to India’s success.
However, more importantly, Suryakumar Yadav will have to get his combinations right. The addition of Shubman Gill back in the T20I squad has already created a selection dilemma, as an in-form Sanju Samson is likely to lose his place. With a Test series coming up just three days after the Asia Cup 2025 final, SKY and Gambhir will have to be cautious about certain players, such as Jasprit Bumrah and Gill.
If SKY can manage all the factors and still come out as the winner, his captaincy will get a boost. If not, Suryakumar’s tenure as the T20I captain would only last till the next T20 World Cup.
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