India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav endured another disappointing outing in the final match against South Africa in Ahmedabad, capping off a torrid 2025 in the shortest format. However, amidst his personal struggles, he found a strong pillar of support in his young teammate Tilak Varma, who believes the prolific batter is just "one innings" away from rediscovering his destructive touch.
A Captain's Struggle and a Teammate's Assurance
At the Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday night, Suryakumar Yadav's miserable run continued as he was dismissed for just 5 runs off 7 balls. This single-digit score summed up a year where he failed to register a single fifty in T20Is. In 19 innings in 2025, SKY has managed only 218 runs at an average of 13.62, a stark contrast to his usual explosive standards. This form presents a significant concern for the Indian team management with the 2026 T20 World Cup, to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka in February-March, looming on the horizon.
Contrastingly, Tilak Varma solidified his claim for the number 3 spot with a magnificent 73 off just 42 balls. He forged a devastating 105-run partnership in 44 balls with the in-form Hardik Pandya, who smashed a blistering 63 off 25 deliveries. This carnage powered India to a formidable total of 231 for 5, which proved 30 runs too many for South Africa.
"Just Find the Gaps": Tilak's Advice to SKY
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Tilak Varma revealed the simple advice he gave Suryakumar during their brief time together at the crease. "I was just saying to him that just middle a few balls, be calm and take some time," Tilak shared. He emphasized the importance of feeling the ball hit the middle of the bat to regain confidence.
"If he gets that confidence then he will be... everyone has watched him, how he can play," Tilak added. "I was just saying to him to try finding the gaps. If you can pierce the field well from your bat, you get a good feel about it and after that you are going to hit. It was not his day, but everyone is waiting for that one innings."
Bowling Heroes and Pandya's Power
Tilak Varma also heaped praise on India's bowling attack, particularly highlighting the roles of Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakravarthy. The duo combined for six wickets while conceding only 67 runs in their eight overs, effectively breaking the backbone of the South African chase.
"Compared to other fast bowlers, everyone knows Jasprit has that extra sting. The same way, Varun has that extra something with which he can take wickets anytime," Tilak stated. He labeled them as the team's "go-to bowlers" when a crucial breakthrough is needed, especially praising Varun's ability to deliver under pressure.
On Hardik Pandya's incredible knock, Tilak said it was "incredible batting" to watch from the non-striker's end. "The way he was hitting every ball right from the middle of the bat... and the way he showed intent right from the first ball, it was very good to watch," he remarked.
Looking Ahead to the World Cup
With the mega event less than a year away, India's final T20I assignment of 2025 has thrown up both questions and answers. While the middle order, led by Tilak and Hardik, appears in frightening form, the team will be desperately hoping their captain, Suryakumar Yadav, can heed his teammate's advice and find that one defining innings to catapult him back to his best before the World Cup carnival begins.
