Former India cricketer Irfan Pathan believes that Suryakumar Yadav does not receive enough recognition for his leadership. He pointed out that only a handful of captains can boast a winning percentage comparable to that of India’s T20I skipper. The fourth T20I of the five-match series between India and South Africa, scheduled to be played in Lucknow on Wednesday (December 17), was called off without a ball being bowled due to fog.
India hold a 2-1 advantage going into the series finale in Ahmedabad on Friday, December 19. Speaking during a discussion on Star Sports, Pathan was asked about India maintaining their unbeaten T20I series record under Suryakumar’s captaincy following the no-result in Lucknow.
“That’s why I say repeatedly that we don’t celebrate Suryakumar Yadav’s captaincy as much as we should. We have celebrated his batting a lot. He definitely lacks form in batting currently, but this 83% result in captaincy is extremely special,” the former India all-rounder responded.
“Not all T20 captains are able to do this. So, very well done to Suryakumar, and it’s not like South Africa didn’t put pressure. They put pressure in this series. You made a comeback in the last match after being put under pressure,” he added.
“He Has To Counter That” — Irfan Pathan On Suryakumar Yadav’s Lean Run
During the same discussion, Irfan Pathan was questioned about Suryakumar Yadav’s poor run of form with the bat in 2025 and in the ongoing series against South Africa.
“What has been Suryakumar’s strength? He plays very well square of the wicket. He doesn’t move his feet much against fast bowlers. Teams are trying to work him out a little more. They are not bowling at one pace. They are using the slower ones a lot. So he has to counter that,” he responded.
The former cricketer-turned-commentator further said that the unorthodox batter should first settle at the crease before going for his trademark shots.
“Secondly, a pattern is being seen that he is going to his favorite shots too much and too early. Can he wait a little longer before playing his favorite shots? Play straight for some time. You might ask him to take his feet forward against fast bowlers. He hasn’t done that for so many years. How will he do it now as the World Cup is about to come?” Pathan elaborated.
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