Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav spoke candidly about his struggles with form in T20I cricket following India’s series win over South Africa. The experienced batter acknowledged that his touch with the bat has temporarily gone missing but assured fans of a strong comeback as the team looks ahead to the T20 World Cup 2026.
Once the top-ranked T20I player in the ICC rankings, the right-hander has endured a tough 2025, averaging just 14.20 in the format. In the fifth T20I against South Africa on Friday, December 19, in Ahmedabad, openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma laid a solid foundation.
Suryakumar Yadav came in at No. 4 with the score at 97/2 but could contribute only five runs before being dismissed by Corbin Bosch. At the post-match presentation, the 35-year-old shared his thoughts, as reported by ESPNcricinfo:
“Only thing is we couldn’t find Surya the batter, I think he’s missing somewhere. But he’ll come back strong. As a leader, very pleased with how the series went.”
Still, the Men in Blue cruised to a series triumph. After posting 231 in their 20 overs, India limited South Africa to 201/8, securing a 30-run win and clinching the five-match series 3-1. Hardik Pandya earned the Player of the Match award for his explosive 63 off 25 balls, along with bowling figures of 3-0-41-1.
“We Were Challenged, But Came Back”- Suryakumar Yadav
The right-handed batter expressed satisfaction with the team’s intent and commended his players for their resilient comeback after South Africa got off to a strong start in their chase. Suryakumar went on to explain:
“Brand of cricket we wanted to play was the same, result is in front of us. This [intent-laden effort] was missing, glad we were able to replicate. Wanted to bowl Bumrah one over in PP, one in middle post-drinks and then in the end. We were challenged, but this game is about how you come back.”
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