Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I captain and one of the most innovative batters in world cricket, is experiencing a dip in form. Known as “Mr. 360” for his all-around strokeplay, SKY has long been a game-changer, but his international performances this year tell a different story.
In T20Is throughout 2025, Yadav has struggled immensely, accumulating around 213 runs across approximately 20 innings at a meager average of 14.20 and a strike rate of 125.29. He has failed to register a single fifty, with his highest score being 47*. This lean patch extends back further, with no half-century in his last 20 T20I innings.
Despite batting beautifully in the nets, as he himself noted after a 12-run knock in the third T20I against South Africa on December 14, Yadav admitted, “I’m not out of form, but definitely out of runs.” Critics, including former players like Mohammad Kaif, have flagged this as a major concern ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup, especially for a captain expected to lead from the front.
Yet, the contrast is stark in the IPL 2025 season earlier this year. Representing Mumbai Indians, Yadav was in sublime touch, smashing 717 runs in 16 matches at an astonishing average of 65.18 and strike rate of 167.91. His explosive batting helped MI immensely, showcasing the flair that once made him the world’s top-ranked T20I batter.
On the leadership front, Yadav has excelled. Since taking over as T20I captain post the 2024 World Cup, he has guided India to multiple series wins, including the 2025 Asia Cup title, without losing a bilateral series.
As the T20 World Cup approaches, all eyes are on whether SKY can rediscover his batting form internationally.
