Suryakumar Yadav has been struggling for runs over the last two years, and his poor form continued in IPL 2026 as well. Although he ended the season with a half-century against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Mumbai on Sunday, the stylish batter managed only 270 runs in 13 innings at an average of 20.76 this season.
Despite leading India to their third T20 World Cup title as captain in March, Suryakumar’s batting form has remained under the scanner. During the IPL, several fans and experts even questioned whether he should continue as India’s T20I captain.
MSK Prasad cautioned BCCI for changing the T20I captain
However, former India chief selector MSK Prasad believes removing Suryakumar from the T20 side would be the wrong move. Prasad backed the 35-year-old to bounce back and described him as one of the most special T20 batters India has produced.
“In modern T20 cricket, matches are not won only through technique – they are won through intent, innovation, fearlessness, and the ability to change games within a few overs. That is exactly why Suryakumar Yadav remains one of the most valuable players in India’s T20 setup. Even when debates arise around form or consistency, removing a player like Suryakumar from the Indian T20 side would be a massive mistake,” Prasad wrote in a Cricbuzz column.
“He is still India’s most unique T20 batter.
“There are very few batters in world cricket capable of playing 360-degree cricket as naturally as Suryakumar Yadav. His ability to access unconventional areas of the field makes him nearly impossible to bowl to once he settles,” remarked Prasad.
Prasad on India's T20I future
Prasad also said the Indian team management should use the next T20 World Cup cycle to prepare future leaders under Suryakumar’s guidance. He named players like Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan as possible future T20 captains for India.
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“I feel the selectors and team management should now start grooming the next generation of T20 leaders under Suryakumar’s guidance. Players like Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson, Tilak Varma and Ishan Kishan can be developed as future T20 captains for India,” he said.
Prasad once again praised Suryakumar’s wide range of shots and unique batting style.
“Whether it is scoops over fine leg, inside-out lofts over cover, or flicks behind square off good-length balls, Suryakumar brings a skillset that very few Indian batters possess.”