Trouble for Suryakumar Yadav? Ex-India coach warns of 'internal scrutiny' if poor form continues

Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar anticipates Suryakumar Yadav's batting form will improve in Australia, citing the pitches' pace and bounce suiting his style. Despite recent struggles, Nayar believes the tour offers a chance for the T20I captain to rediscover his potent capabilities.

Suryakumar Yadav (AP /PTI)

Former India cricket assistant coach Abhishek Nayar believes that Suryakumar Yadav's batting form could improve during the upcoming five-match T20I series in Australia, starting Wednesday, as the Australian pitch conditions with their pace and bounce will suit his playing style. Suryakumar's recent performance has been concerning, with only 72 runs in seven matches during last month's Asia Cup T20 tournament, including his highest score of 47 not out against arch-rivals. In the 2025 season, he managed just 100 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 105.26.

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Since becoming India's T20I captain in July 2024, his form has declined notably, scoring 330 runs with only two half-centuries. "This Australian tour presents an interesting scenario. While team victories often overshadow individual performances, any downturn in results will raise questions. As India's T20I Captain and someone who's been the number one ranked batter in T20I cricket for a long period of time, Suryakumar's extended run without significant scores at number three will inevitably create internal scrutiny," Nayar said on JioStar. "We know his calibre and impact potential, and Australian conditions with their bounce and pace should actually benefit his batting style. Ultimately, the biggest questions will come from within, as this current output doesn't reflect his true capabilities," Nayar added. Nayar emphasized the importance of this series for newcomers in the Indian squad who will be playing in Australia for the first time. "This T20I series in Australia will be a significant test for many of our young players, as it marks their first experience of playing T20 International cricket against a team of this calibre in such conditions. While the environment differs from what they will encounter in the World Cup, it presents a fresh challenge and a valuable opportunity for new heroes to emerge. It's a chance for several players to step up, gain confidence, and build momentum with runs under their belt," he commented.

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