India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has been lauded for his leadership ever since taking charge full-time. Under his captaincy, India lifted their second T20 Asia Cup title, making him the only skipper after MS Dhoni to achieve the feat. However, despite his tactical sharpness and fearless approach as a leader, Suryakumar’s own batting form has raised a few eyebrows, especially at the crucial No. 3 position.

In 2025, the flamboyant Mumbai batter has managed just 100 runs in 12 T20Is, without a single fifty to his name, and an unusually low strike rate of around 105. For a player known for his 360-degree stroke play and aggression, such numbers are far from ideal. Former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar believes Suryakumar must turn things around soon to avoid internal scrutiny.

“This Australian tour presents an interesting scenario. Team wins often hide personal slumps, but if results go south, questions will arise,” Abhishek Nayar said on JioStar’s Game Plan.

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He added, “As captain and a former No. 1 T20I batter, Suryakumar’s extended lean patch at number three could spark conversations within the setup. His potential is undeniable, and Australian pitches—with their bounce and pace—should actually complement his game. But his current output doesn’t match his true calibre.”

Statistically, Suryakumar remains one of India’s most prolific T20I batters. In 90 T20Is, he has scored 2670 runs at an average of over 35, including four centuries, second only to Rohit Sharma’s five.

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Yet, with India eyeing another T20 World Cup title, all eyes are now on whether the captain can rediscover his trademark rhythm with the bat. His leadership may be steady, but a rejuvenated Suryakumar at No. 3 could make India truly formidable once again.