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The 2026 T20 World Cup is less than two months away, and the drums of war are beating across the cricketing globe. For India, the noise isn't just about anticipation; it's about anxiety. At the centre of this storm is captain Suryakumar Yadav. Once the undisputed "Mr. 360," SKY’s 2025 has been less of a highlight reel and more of a horror show. But is SKY alone in this slump, or are other skippers also feeling the heat?

Here is a deep dive into Suryakumar Yadav’s worrying form and how he stacks up against the captains of Pakistan, Australia, South Africa, England, New Zealand, and the West Indies.

The SKY Fall: A Tale of Two Bowlers

Suryakumar Yadav’s 2025 numbers are stark. In 19 innings, the Indian skipper has scraped together just 218 runs at a dismal average of 13.83. For a batter who used to toy with field placements, this is a massive drop.

However, the devil is in the details. A recent analysis reveals a glaring "pace vs. spin" paradigm in his game.

Also Read: A tale of Pace vs Spin: Is Suryakumar Yadav losing his edge?

Against Spin: SKY remains imperious, averaging 95.00 with only one dismissal in 68 balls.

Against Pace: He is virtually a walking wicket. He has been dismissed 14 times by fast bowlers, averaging a meagre 2.00 with a strike rate of just 68.3.

Opposing teams have cracked the code: crank up the pace and cramp him for room. As India heads into the World Cup, their captain looks vulnerable against the new ball, a luxury the Men in Blue cannot afford.

The Competition: How do other Captains compare?

While Suryakumar Yadav struggles, how are his counterparts faring? Let’s break down the stats of the other major leaders in 2025.

Australia- Mitchell Marsh

Innings: 14 | Runs: 454 | Average: 37.83 | Strike-Rate: 158.19 | 100s/50s: 1/2

If SKY is at the bottom, Mitchell Marsh is soaring at the top. The Aussie skipper has had a remarkable year, blending consistency with aggression. With 454 runs at a strike rate touching 160, Marsh is leading by example. His form signals that Australia will be a powerhouse in the upcoming tournament, with a captain who is arguably in the form of his life.

West Indies- Shai Hope

Innings: 19 | Runs: 556 | Average: 34.75 | Strike-Rate: 136.61 | 100s/50s: 1/4

Shai Hope has been a steadying force for the Caribbean side. Amassing over 500 runs with a healthy average of 34.75, he has proven to be the anchor the West Indies need. His century and four fifties in 2025 suggest he is "on song" and ready to exploit home conditions or adapt abroad.

New Zealand- Mitchell Santner

Innings: 14 | Runs: 137 | Strike-Rate: 187.67 | Wickets: 12

The Kiwi captain brings a different flavour. While his run tally isn't massive, his strike rate of 187.67 is terrifying for death bowlers. Coupled with 12 wickets, Santner is the definition of a utility player. He leads not just with tactical acumen but with genuine all-around performance, balancing the side perfectly.

South Africa- Aiden Markram

Innings: 9 | Runs: 210 | Average: 23.33 | Strike-Rate: 143.84 | 100s/50s: 0/1

Markram, like SKY, hasn't had his best year with the bat. Averaging 23.33 is below his high standards, but his strike rate of 143.84 shows he hasn't lost his intent. The Proteas skipper is struggling for big scores, but unlike Yadav, he hasn't been completely shut down by a specific bowling type. He remains a dangerous, if currently inconsistent, threat.

Pakistan- Salman Ali Agha

Innings: 32 | Runs: 625 | Average: 26.04 | Strike-Rate: 115.31 | 100s/50s: 0/5

Salman Ali Agha has had a busy but underwhelming year. Despite playing the most innings (32) among this group, his strike rate of 115.31 is a major concern in modern T20 cricket. His average of 26.04 suggests he gets starts but fails to convert them or accelerate. His struggles were highlighted during the Asia Cup, and he sits closer to SKY in terms of form concerns than he does to Marsh.

England- Jos Buttler

Innings: 14 | Runs: 482 | Average: 37.07 | Strike-Rate: 164.38 | 100s/50s: 0/3

The English skipper remains one of the most destructive openers in world cricket. Buttler has led from the front in 2025, amassing 482 runs in just 14 innings. While his average of 37.07 is solid, it is his blistering strike rate of 164.38 that truly sets him apart. Although he hasn't registered a century this year, his three match-winning fifties prove that he is peaking just in time for the World Cup.

Alarm Bells for India?

Comparing the stats, Suryakumar Yadav sits uncomfortably at the bottom of the pile. While Mitchell Marsh and Shai Hope are peaking at the right time, and Santner is maximising his all-round value, SKY is fighting a technical battle against pace that threatens to derail India's campaign.

With the World Cup less than two months away, the narrative is clear: The world's captains are stepping up, while India's captain is searching for answers. If SKY can't fix his "pace problem" quickly, the 2026 World Cup might be a short trip for the Men in Blue.