Amidst concerns surrounding Suryakumar Yadav's recent batting form, a prominent figure within the Indian cricket team has voiced strong support for the T20I captain, expressing confidence in his ability to single-handedly win matches for the team. This backing comes at a crucial time, as Yadav has been under scrutiny for his performances with the bat, particularly since assuming the captaincy.

Yadav's recent scores have sparked debate among fans and experts alike, especially when contrasted with his performance in the IPL 2025. While he has been a dominant force for the Mumbai Indians in the IPL, his form in international T20s has dipped, leading to questions about his place in the squad, captaincy aside. In his last 10 T20I innings, Yadav has only managed to score 161 runs at a strike rate of 124.80, with an average of 20.10. Since becoming the T20I captain midway through 2024, his performance has declined, making 2025 his worst year to date. Across 21 T20I innings, Suryakumar has not scored a single half-century, accumulating just 239 runs at an average of 13.27.

Despite the criticism, Yadav remains defiant, stating that he is "not out of form, definitely out of runs". He has emphasized that he is batting well in the nets and is doing everything in his control to regain his form. This statement, however, has been met with skepticism, with some arguing that form is not solely determined by net practice but by translating intent into runs on the field.

Adding to the complexity, experts have critiqued India's flexible batting order, suggesting that certain changes were implemented to shield the struggling captain. This highlights the pressure Yadav faces, not only to perform as a batter but also to lead the team effectively.

The contrasting performances between Yadav's IPL form and his T20I form have further fueled the debate. In IPL 2025, he averaged over 65 with a strike rate exceeding 167, scoring 717 runs in 16 innings with five fifties. However, in 17 T20I innings in 2025, he has only managed 201 runs, with his average plummeting to 14.35 and his strike rate dropping to 126.41.

While the concerns surrounding Suryakumar Yadav's form are valid, the backing from within the team underscores the belief in his capabilities. As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, the team will be hoping that Yadav rediscovers his form and leads the team from the front.