Break and batting tweaks help Suryakumar rediscover form ahead of T20 World Cup

India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav credited a short break after the South Africa series and a deliberate change in his batting approach for his return to form, as he led India’s 4-1 series win over New Zealand just ahead of the T20 World Cup starting next Saturday.

After a rare lean patch in 2025 with no half-centuries, Suryakumar emerged as the leading run-scorer and player-of-the-series against New Zealand. The turnaround followed a period of self-reflection after the South Africa series in December, where he managed just 34 runs in four innings , with a top score of 12.

“After the South Africa series, I returned home, stored my kit bag, and took a complete 9-10 day rest ,” Suryakumar said after India’s 46-run win in the fifth T20I . “When I resumed practice in the new year, I reflected on my shortcomings, especially my strike-rate in the initial overs. Previously, I attacked from the first 5-10 balls at a strike-rate of 200-250; now, I settle in over the first 5-7 balls, doubling my strike-rate thereafter. This approach clicked from the very first game in Nagpur, building momentum that revived my form.”

Suryakumar, regarded as one of India’s finest T20 batters , had struggled for consistency after taking over the captaincy. In 2025, he scored just 218 runs from 21 matches at an average of 13.62 and a strike-rate of 123.16, the first time his annual strike-rate dipped below 150. But against New Zealand, he peaked at the right time, scoring 242 runs in five matches at an average of 80.66 and a strike-rate of 196.74, as India posted three 200-plus totals , including 271 for five in the final game , their third-highest T20I score.

Abhishek Sharma continued his blazing form at the top, while Ishan Kishan marked a strong comeback. With India eyeing a historic back-to-back T20 World Cup triumph on home soil , Suryakumar said: “Home games always bring pressure, but without it, there’s no thrill. Chasing a back-to-back World Cup win, something no team has done before, feels like a rewarding responsibility. With massive crowd support across venues, the team and I are excited.”

He also highlighted the fine-tuned team combination , aimed at maximising batting firepower without weakening bowling strength. “In high-risk T20s with explosive top-order batting, we need an extra specialist batter at No. 7 or 8. Our core bowlers, Jasprit Bumrah, Varun Chakravarthy, Arshdeep Singh, and Axar Patel, can deliver full 16 overs, providing a big edge. Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, and occasionally Abhishek Sharma offer flexibility, making a seven-batter plus all-rounder setup with an eighth batter ideal for the World Cup squad.”

Suryakumar has also encouraged his batters to play fearlessly . “Each player brings their unique style, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Sanju Samson bat true to themselves. I’ve told them to hit a six on the first ball if it suits, making decisions based on pitch conditions. This approach has simplified my captaincy.”

While Kishan has strengthened his case after a strong comeback, Suryakumar said the final decision on the opener slot will be taken before India’s World Cup opener against the USA at Wankhede on Saturday. “Tilak Varma’s status is still uncertain. His return would create a selection dilemma, as all 15 squad members are playing XI contenders . The final call on Ishan Kishan versus Sanju Samson for the opener role will be revealed on February 7 ,” he concluded.