New Delhi: Suryakumar Yadav’s 2025 season has been far from ideal with the bat, though his record as India’s T20I captain remains spotless. The 35-year-old, currently leading India in the five-match T20I series in Australia, is looking to rediscover his best form ahead of next year’s World Cup on home soil.
Across 12 innings this year, Suryakumar has managed only 139 runs, with his highest score being an unbeaten 47 during the Asia Cup. However, his recent performance in the rain-curtailed first T20I against Australia in Canberra showed promising signs. Batting fluently, he struck 39 not out off 24 balls, hitting three fours and two sixes, including a signature flick over deep square leg off Josh Hazlewood.
Former India batter Robin Uthappa has advised Suryakumar to stop shifting his batting position and consistently play at No. 3 a slot where he has enjoyed most of his success in the shortest format. Uthappa believes the constant changes in the order, aimed at maintaining a left-right combination, have affected his rhythm.
“For some time now, India have been promoting Tilak Varma to No. 3 when a left-hander gets out, pushing Suryakumar down the order,” Uthappa said on his YouTube channel. “But I believe Surya should bat at one position only, ideally No. 3. If the team management still wants to play around with left-right combinations, then he must not bat below No. 4.”
He added that while Suryakumar faces a tough balance between managing his own form and leading the side, a fixed batting slot could help him regain confidence. “It’s a difficult situation because he has to handle captaincy pressures and personal form. But a top-order batter has to make too many adjustments when moved down. Let him stay at No. 3 — that’s where he belongs,” Uthappa said.
Suryakumar will look to build on his Canberra knock as India aim to continue their dominance in the ongoing T20I series against Australia.
