String of Low Scores Continues for Indian T20I Skipper Surya Kumar Yadav

India’s T20I captain Surya Kumar Yadav endured a difficult 2025 in the shortest format, finishing the calendar year without a single half-century. Across 19 innings, he scored 218 runs at an average of 13.62 and a strike rate of 123.16, with a highest score of 47 not out. The absence of any fifties or hundreds highlights a prolonged lean patch that has left India’s middle order short of a consistent anchor.

The recent series reinforced this struggle. Suryakumar returned 12 in Cuttack, 5 in New Chandigarh, 12 in Dharamsala, and 5 in Ahmedabad, repeatedly failing to convert starts into meaningful contributions. For a captain and key batter in the T20 format, such early dismissals are a concern, especially when the team relies on the middle order to accelerate scoring.

Performance Against Pace in 2025

Innings	Runs	Outs	Average	Strike Rate
19	123	15	8.20	112.84

Suryakumar’s numbers against pace were particularly troubling. Known for his ability to dominate fast bowlers, he managed just 123 runs at an average of 8.20, being dismissed 15 times with a strike rate of 112.84. This weakness against pace exposes a technical vulnerability opponents can exploit.

Overall Career Context

Since his T20I debut in 2021, Suryakumar has played 99 matches, scoring 2,788 runs at a strike rate of over 163. These figures underline his pedigree and long-term impact in the format, highlighting that the slump in 2025 is an unusual dip rather than a reflection of his overall ability.

IPL 2025 Performance

Runs	Average	Strike Rate
717	65+	167

While international form has dipped, Suryakumar showcased his skill in IPL 2025, amassing 717 runs at an average above 65 with a strike rate of 167, proving that his attacking instincts and timing remain intact.

Captaincy Record and Implications

Despite his batting struggles, Suryakumar’s leadership has been impressive. Since the 2024 T20 World Cup, India has not lost a single T20I series under his captaincy, highlighting his tactical acumen and ability to inspire consistency in the side.

However, with the T20 World Cup approaching, his lean run with the bat and vulnerability against pace place his place and captaincy under scrutiny. Team management will be watching closely to see if he can regain form and ensure India’s middle order remains solid in high-pressure matches. The upcoming tournament could be a decisive test of both his batting and leadership.

In conclusion

In conclusion, 2025 has been a testing year for Suryakumar Yadav. While his captaincy remains strong, his personal form demands urgent attention if he is to continue leading India successfully at the highest level.