The Indian cricket team's experiments with Suryakumar Yadav's batting position have sparked a heated debate, with former players Dale Steyn and Robin Uthappa delivering stinging rebukes to head coach Gautam Gambhir's strategy. The core of the issue revolves around the perceived instability caused by frequently shuffling Suryakumar, a move that Steyn and Uthappa fear could jeopardize India's chances at the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Suryakumar Yadav, often called "SKY" or "Mr. 360," is known for his innovative stroke play and aggressive batting style. He is a right-handed middle-order batter who can change the game. He was also part of the national team that won the 2024 Men's T20 World Cup. Suryakumar has secured a spot in the main squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup. While he has demonstrated versatility by batting at both No. 3 and No. 4 positions, there's growing concern that the constant changes are unsettling his rhythm and potentially diminishing his effectiveness.
Dale Steyn and Robin Uthappa have voiced strong opinions against this constant experimentation. Uthappa specifically warned that if things go wrong, the blame will fall on both Suryakumar Yadav and Gautam Gambhir. He highlighted the risk of entering a World Cup, especially as defending champions, with key batters not in optimal form. According to Uthappa, if India's win percentage drops over the next few games, it could negatively impact Suryakumar's batting and his leadership on the field.
The debate isn't new. Back in November 2025, former India cricketer Sadagoppan Ramesh criticized the team management for frequent changes in the batting order. He pointed to an instance where Suryakumar dropped himself to No. 4, despite a strong performance at No. 3 in the previous match, creating confusion and instability within the batting unit. Ramesh emphasized the importance of clarity in roles, stating that players should be utilized based on their primary strengths.
Brian Lara, has publicly advocated for Suryakumar to bat at No. 3. Lara believes that Suryakumar's skills and abilities make him an ideal fit at the crucial spot in the team's batting order. Lara emphasized that Suryakumar can single-handedly win matches if he gets to bat for 10-15 overs in a T20I innings. He believes that Suryakumar is not an opener, and getting him in early allows him to put the team in an unassailable position or win the game while batting second.
However, Ambati Rayudu has pointed out a potential flaw in Suryakumar Yadav's batting technique, suggesting that bowlers have devised plans to exploit his footwork, particularly against fast bowlers. Rayudu noted that Suryakumar sometimes struggles with deliveries outside the off-stump and needs to improve his movement at the crease.
Despite these concerns, Suryakumar Yadav remains a vital component of the Indian team. He led the team to victory in the 2025 Asia Cup. He has also enjoyed success in bilateral series. His overall T20I record is impressive, with a high strike rate.
The core question is whether India's current strategy of frequently altering Suryakumar's batting position is the best approach. While some argue for flexibility and adaptability, others fear that it could lead to instability and undermine the team's chances in critical tournaments like the T20 World Cup. The coming months will reveal whether Gambhir and Yadav can successfully navigate this challenge and optimize Suryakumar's potential for the benefit of the team.
