Former Team India captain Rohit Sharma has raised concerns over Suryakumar Yadav’s recent form ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026. Rohit said that Suryakumar’s role with the bat is vital if India want to successfully defend their crown, as a lack of form from him puts added pressure on the rest of the batting unit.
Suryakumar scored 218 runs in 21 matches at a disappointing average of 13.62 and a strike rate of 123.16. The right-handed batter last scored a half-century against Bangladesh in October 2024, which came 23 innings earlier. Surya took over the captaincy from Rohit following India’s T20 World Cup triumph in 2024.
If Suryakumar Yadav Doesn’t Play Well… – Rohit Sharma
In a video uploaded by Star Sports on X, Rohit Sharma said that the issue is not about leadership but about form. Rohit added that Suryakumar Yadav is a major part of India’s batting power, and when he does not perform, the entire batting lineup suffers.
“It’s not about the captain getting in form or not. If a player is not in form. The seven or eight batters we have, out of that, we are getting one less batter,” Sharma said.
“The main batting power that we have, obviously, if you leave one out, then it will not be as effective as it should be. If Surya doesn’t play well, the batting lineup suffers,” he added.
“SKY knows the game. He knows the players.” 💙@ImRo45 highlights @surya_14kumar‘s form and impact, calling him a critical batter whose presence brings balance and confidence to India’s batting lineup. 🔑🔥
Why is SKY central to India’s success on the biggest stage? 🤔
Watch it… pic.twitter.com/JEXFzIPhWA— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 20, 2026
Suryakumar Yadav Has A Lot Of Understanding – Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma also praised Suryakumar Yadav for his leadership qualities ahead of the major tournament. He stated that Suryakumar understands the game well and knows how to bring out the best performances from those around him.
“I think Surya has a lot of understanding regarding the game and the players who are playing with him, how to get the best out of them,” Rohit continued.
India have suffered an injury setback ahead of the T20 World Cup. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed that Ravi Bishnoi will replace Washington Sundar in the T20I series against the New Zealand national cricket team.
Sundar’s absence could have a bigger impact if he does not recover in time for the World Cup. He plays an important role as a lower-order contributor along with his bowling.
Suryakumar Yadav Eyes Fresh Start in New Zealand T20I Series Ahead of World Cup
Suryakumar Yadav regained confidence during the 2025 IPL after a difficult end to 2024, but his form did not carry over to international cricket.
Suryakumar will next be seen in action in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting on January 21. India and Suryakumar will open the series with the first T20I in Nagpur on Wednesday, January 21.
This series will be India’s final assignment before the 2026 T20 World Cup. The tournament begins on February 7, with India facing the USA in their opening match at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.
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