Rahane Decodes Suryakumar's Struggle: Simplicity is the Key
All eyes will focus on Suryakumar Yadav as he leads India against New Zealand in Nagpur. The first T20I of a five-match series starts on Wednesday. This series represents India's final preparation before they host the 2026 T20 World Cup.
A Captain Under Pressure
Suryakumar Yadav, often called one of India's greatest T20 batters, has faced a tough time since taking over the captaincy. His form dipped noticeably after India's successful 2024 T20 World Cup campaign. The runs have not flowed consistently for the explosive right-hander.
Former India Test captain Ajinkya Rahane shared his analysis. Rahane, a longtime domestic teammate of Suryakumar, believes the issue is mental. "He has been trying to do too many things off late," Rahane stated on Cricbuzz. "He should just keep things simple to rediscover his destructive form."
The Concerning Numbers
The statistics from 2025 paint a stark picture. In 19 T20 International innings, Suryakumar managed only 218 runs. His average was a meager 13.62, with a strike rate of 123.16. This marked the first calendar year in his career where his strike rate fell below 150.
"For someone of Surya's ability, those numbers are pretty low," Rahane remarked bluntly. The downturn persisted despite a strong 2025 Indian Premier League performance. His international struggles continued in subsequent series.
Rahane's Prescription for Success
Rahane pinpointed the probable cause. "I feel he is putting too much pressure on himself as a batter," he explained. The solution, according to the veteran, is straightforward. Suryakumar must trust his natural game and preparation.
"His attitude and intensity on the field have been fantastic. Preparation wise, he has been fantastic," Rahane acknowledged. "I just want him to keep things simple as a batter. If he bats for a long period, if Surya does well, India will do well."
Suryakumar's Own Assessment
The captain himself is acutely aware of the situation. Speaking at a press conference last month, Suryakumar addressed his form. "I know what to do. I know where things are going wrong," he told reporters confidently.
He emphasized having time to correct his course. "I have got some time to work on it. We have the New Zealand series coming up and then the important T20 World Cup. You will definitely see Surya the batter," he promised.
Rahane expressed optimism about a turnaround. "He has been out of form recently but I am really looking forward to seeing Surya coming back to form just before the World Cup," he said. The entire Indian cricket fraternity shares that hope as a crucial series begins.
