Former India all-rounder turned commentator Irfan Pathan feels Team India captain Suryakumar Yadav is playing Virat Kohli’s role in the batting order for the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. He added that it could be the reason behind his strike rate falling a bit, as he has started anchoring the innings now.

“Suryakumar Yadav has played 119 balls. He averages 54, and his strike rate is 136. He often plays with a strike rate of over 150, but he is playing a different role here. Especially that knock against the USA, it was tremendous. He is playing a Virat Kohli-type role. Can Suryakumar Yadav come at No. 3? India need to break the monotony of left-handed batters at the top against off-spinners. Even if the off-spinner is not bowling, if there are back-to-back left-handers, it becomes easy for the opposition to cut that angle,” Irfan Pathan said in his YouTube video.

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He also applauded Team India opener Ishan Kishan. He praised his 77 off 40 in the 61-run win over Pakistan. He also highlighted that Kishan has managed his technical flaws better and earned everyone’s respect with his stunning performances.

Irfan again said, “The way he batted against Pakistan has increased his respect in everyone’s eyes. I actually started liking him a lot more as well because of the way he played and managed his technical flaws, which are still there. He does struggle against spin, but managed it very well.”

“He has usually started down the ground or on the leg side. Every batter has a got-to shot. Ishan Kishan’s go-to shot is playing the pull shot or the flick. He plays a big shot with a horizontal bat on the leg side, and he gets momentum after that. I think South Africa would make him play on the off side at the start. They would create that angle and make him play on the off side,” Irfan Pathan concluded.