Underperforming for India, including a forgettable T20 World Cup 2026 and an underwhelming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season for the Mumbai Indians, cost Suryakumar his captaincy and spot in the team. Since assuming the role of skipper in July 2024, the 360-degree batter has struggled in T20Is.
Suryakumar Yadav reignites spark
Barring a great IPL 2025 season, everything went sideways for the former number one T20I batter. But after a year, Suryakumar’s willow has caught fire once again. Perhaps getting sacked and dropped has reignited the spark. He’s hungry and desperate for runs. He might be down, but not out.
After the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed Shreyas Iyer as India’s new T20I captain, Suryakumar has played two great knocks in the T20 Mumbai League 2026. Named skipper of the Triumphs Knights, the 36-year-old has ended up as the highest scorer for his team in the last two games.
He went out early against Bandra Blasters on June 4, the game that was played just hours after he was officially sacked. But since then, Suryakumar has buckled up. He started with 48 off 24 in the first innings against Mumbai Indians. Earlier today at the Wankhede Stadium, Suryakumar remained unbeaten on 72 in a chase against the Maratha Royals.
His strike rate in both innings was exactly 200. One has to remember that Wankhede isn’t the high-scoring venue it was in IPL 2026. Due to regular matches, the surface has considerably slowed down. Despite that, Suryakumar has found success. Coincidentally, that 48-run knock came against Shreyas Iyer‘s team, in a game that his team lost.
- 48 (24) vs Mumbai Falcons on June 6
- 72 (36)* vs Maratha Royals on June 8
It’s no secret that Suryakumar has struggled. Perhaps these knocks were what he needed. Yes, the competition isn’t anywhere near the domestic level. But he wasn’t getting runs. Some time in the middle with no pressure on his back should help his game.
One can’t forget that Suryakumar had to wait until 31 to make his India debut. He won’t stop believing. A comeback to the Indian team won’t be easy, but it’s possible. However, remaining a top-level batter in the IPL will also be on his wishlist, considering what he’s done for the Mumbai Indians for nearly a decade now.
Suryakumar Yadav’s T20 numbers in 2026
| Innings | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 100s/50s | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20 World Cup 2026 | 9 | 242 | 30.25 | 136.72 | 0/1 |
| IPL 2026 | 13 | 270 | 20.76 | 147.54 | 0/2 |
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