Former India opener Wasim Jaffer has raised concerns about Suryakumar Yadav’s form, suggesting the Mumbai Indians batter is becoming increasingly predictable in his shot selection. According to Jaffer, opposition teams have started decoding Surya’s patterns, limiting his scoring options and forcing errors.
The criticism comes in the wake of the Mumbai Indians’ heavy 103-run defeat to the Chennai Super Kings at the Wankhede Stadium on April 23. Chasing a daunting 208, MI were rocked early at 11/3, leaving Surya with the responsibility of rebuilding the innings. While he managed 36 off 30 balls, the knock lacked fluency and intent, and the team eventually fell well short.
It has been a disappointing IPL 2026 campaign so far for the dynamic right-hander. In seven innings, he has scored 157 runs at a strike rate of 142.73, with only one fifty-plus score, which came against Delhi Capitals when he stepped in as stand-in captain in the absence of Hardik Pandya.
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Jaffer believes the root of the problem lies in how bowlers are approaching Surya. Teams are sticking to tighter lines and lengths, denying him the room to access his trademark shots behind the wicket, particularly on the leg side.
SKY is getting trapped in similar fashion again and again. Teams set field for that restricting his leg side and behind the wicket shots. He needs plan B. Maybe go straighter or hit over covers. Don’t be predictable. Too good a player to get caught in the same trap. #MI #ipl20206
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) April 24, 2026
“Surya is getting trapped in a similar way repeatedly. Bowlers are setting fields to cut off his scoring areas. He needs a Plan B — maybe look to play straighter or target the off-side more,” Wasim Jaffer noted.
The dismissal against Chennai summed up his struggles. Facing Akeal Hosein, Surya attempted a sweep but ended up top-edging the ball to deep backward square leg, where Sarfaraz Khan completed a simple catch.
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Despite sharing a 73-run partnership with Tilak Varma in an attempt to steady the innings, the damage had already been done. With MI now struggling for consistency, the team will hope Surya rediscovers his rhythm ahead of their next clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
