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NEW DELHI: Suryakumar Yadav is going through one of the toughest phases of his career, having completely lost rhythm in the T20I format he once dominated.
Since November last year, the Indian batter has managed just 227 runs without a single half century, putting his place and leadership credentials under the scanner ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
3rd T20I: Gill and Suryakumar face big test as India look to bounce back in Dharamsala
A captain must lead with the bat
Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes leadership at the top level goes beyond tactics and on field decisions. He stressed that a captain batting in the top order has a clear responsibility to score runs consistently.
“You are the team’s captain, but a captain’s job is not just to do the toss or manage the bowlers. It’s not only about making plans. If you are batting in the top four, your primary role is to score runs,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
Numbers raising concern
Chopra pointed out that Suryakumar Yadav’s recent numbers in T20Is make uncomfortable reading. He highlighted the lack of impact and consistency over an extended period.
“It’s been many matches. If you have an average of 14 in 17 innings and the strike rate is also not very good, you don’t have a single fifty and have crossed 25 only twice, then it becomes a problem,” he added.
World Cup focus on form
While raising concerns over form, Chopra made it clear that he is not questioning Suryakumar’s leadership credentials. However, with the T20 World Cup 2026 set to be played in India and Sri Lanka, he feels runs are non-negotiable.
“I am not saying there is any doubt over Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy or that he won’t be India’s captain in the World Cup. I am not suggesting that at all, so don’t misquote me. But the reality is that he needs to score runs,” Chopra said.
