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Suryakumar Yadav's Lean Patch: Why He's Confident Before T20 World Cup

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav is openly addressing a significant dip in his T20I form this year. Despite the poor numbers, he expresses strong confidence in overcoming this "invisible hurdle" before the World Cup. He also provided insight into the controversial decision to drop vice-captain Shubman Gill from the squad. Yadav is now focused on the challenge of leading India in a home World Cup, which begins against the USA in Mumbai.

Key Points: Suryakumar Yadav Confident of Overcoming Form Slump for T20 WC

  • Suryakumar Yadav has scored only 218 runs in 21 T20Is this year at a 13.62 average
  • He leads India's 15-man squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup at home
  • Yadav explains Shubman Gill's exclusion was due to team combination, not just form
  • India is in Group A with Pakistan, USA, Netherlands, and Namibia
2 min read

I will overcome: Suryakumar Yadav confident of overcoming lean patch before T20 World Cup

Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav addresses his poor T20I form and explains Shubman Gill's squad exclusion ahead of the home T20 World Cup.

"I know what to do, where things are going wrong... It's just a small invisible hurdle that I am sure I will overcome. - Suryakumar Yadav"

Mumbai, December 20

Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav acknowledged his recent lean patch and expressed confidence in returning to form ahead of the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.

In 2025, Yadav has struggled to score runs in T20I cricket. The right-handed batter has scored 218 runs in 21 matches at a poor average of 13.62. Suryakumar Yadav didn't hit a half-century this year in T20I cricket.

Yadav will lead a 15-man squad in the upcoming T20 World Cup, with Shubman Gill, who has been the vice-captain of the T20I team, dropped amid fitness and form concerns, and Axar Patel returning to deputy duties.

The team was announced by BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia at the board's headquarters on Saturday, in the presence of captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar.

"I know what to do, where things are going wrong. I have got some time to work on it. It's just a small invisible hurdle that I am sure I will overcome," Yadav told the reporters.

Gill's exclusion from the squad sparked widespread debate. Skipper Yadav spoke out on the reasoning behind the decision, stressing that selections were driven by roles and structure rather than short-term form.

"It's not about form, it's about combination. We wanted to have a keeper at the top. We know the quality that Gill brings. We also wanted someone like Rinku Singh and Washington Sundar in the back end," Yadav said.

For Yadav, leading the side at a home World Cup presents both opportunity and responsibility. "I think it's a good responsibility for me... It's going to be a good challenge when you are going to play in front of your home crowd," Yadav added.

India is placed in Group A alongside Namibia, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the United States and will start its campaign against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai.

India's squad for T20 World Cup 2026 and New Zealand T20I series: Suryakumar Yadav (capt), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (wk), Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice-capt), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Washington Sundar, Ishan Kishan (wk).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The stats are worrying, no doubt. An average of 13 in 21 matches is a serious slump for a player of his caliber. I hope the selectors have a backup plan if this form continues into the tournament. The pressure of a home World Cup is immense.
A
Arjun K
Dropping Shubman Gill is a huge call! He's our future. Yes, he's had fitness issues, but his talent is undeniable. Hope this doesn't affect his confidence long-term. Rinku Singh's inclusion is the silver lining though, well deserved!
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Priya S
His attitude is everything. "Small invisible hurdle" – love that mindset. Form is temporary, class is permanent. He just needs one good innings to get his mojo back. All the best, Captain! 🏏
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Michael C
Interesting squad. Good to see Washington Sundar back. The balance looks decent on paper. But the group with Pakistan is always a thriller! The first match against USA should be a good warm-up.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, I have to disagree with the captain leading while being so out of form. It sets a precedent. Leadership should be earned consistently, not just on past reputation. Hope he proves me wrong for India's sake.
N
Neha E

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