Bharath Ramaraj in Dubai
Suddenly, Haris Rauf, the Pakistan fast bowler, was pumping his fist and running around the Dubai International Stadium. He had just dislodged Suryakumar Yadav for the third time in T20Is. It was a rather curious shot from a batter known for picking the length quickly. Suryakumar ended up getting a leading edge that went straight to the fielder stationed at fine leg.
Just pare through the outside surface, and you will realise that it isn’t just Haris who has troubled him in recent times. Barring Mahmudullah, his wicket has been taken by the seamers over his last 16 T20Is. In those 16 games, he is averaging a mere 18.33. Just delve deeper, and you can excavate even more information. Among those pacers, at least four of them have gained a reputation for bowling hard lengths – Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse and Rauf.
The initial hypothesis would be Suryakumar is 35 now and his body is perhaps slowing down a bit. On second thoughts, it is also probably down to not having the conviction to execute his skill-set.
As an athlete gets older, a degree of apprehension clogs up your mind. Four years ago, Suryakumar had hooked Archer for a six off the first ball he faced in internationals. Fast-forward to present times, Suryakumar might play the same bowler with some caution.
Somewhere his mind doesn’t seem to be decisive enough when he aims to play strokes in a 360-degree arc. To illustrate the point further, take into consideration his dismissal in the England-India T20I game at Wankhede.
The hosts were dominating the proceedings when Suryakumar walked out to bat. While batting on two, Carse bowled one down the leg-side. The kind of delivery that Suryakumar would have whipped into the stands in his prime. Unfortunately, he was caught by the wicketkeeper. Most likely Suryakumar’s wicket was down to the India skipper not having the required belief in his attempted shot.
During the autumn of a player’s career, there is going to be enough outside noise. One question would creep into most of the discussions – is it time for that veteran player to walk into retirement?
Of course, as the captain of the Indian T20I side, Suryakumar’s place is guaranteed. Suryakumar was the second highest run-getter in the 2025 IPL, and he underwent a sports hernia surgery in July. But if Suryakumar’s poor run in T20Is continues, then the outside noise will turn into a cacophony of questions about his form.
In a presser, Suryakumar himself said this about shutting down the outside noise: “Close your room, switch off your phone and sit (everyone in the press room had a hearty laugh). It is easy to say, but sometimes it is difficult. You meet a lot of friends. You go out for dinner. There are a lot of players who like to see these things (on social media platforms). It is difficult, but it depends on you, what you want to listen to, what you want to have in your mind.”
Maybe all that his brain needs is a shot played with confidence, and just like that everything would fall into place.
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