When legends like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Babar Azam were setting new benchmarks in T20 cricket, Suryakumar Yadav had only just made his T20 International debut, and that too at the age of nearly 30. Despite a slow start, Suryakumar's rise was so rapid that within a few months, he became the world's number one T20 International batsman. He didn't take the stairs; he took the elevator. Suryakumar emerged as a fast, explosive, and reliable batsman for Team India.
However, this year hasn't been particularly good for him and has been the worst year of his career so far. He's losing his wicket even to poor deliveries. The T20 World Cup is scheduled for February next year, and the captaincy responsibility will likely rest on Suryakumar's shoulders. The question is, will he be able to regain his form and help Team India defend the trophy? His form will be crucial for Team India's success.
Suryakumar - The New Mr. 360
In a short time, Suryakumar was no longer just a finisher; he became the world's new Mr. 360°. His shots seemed to defy the laws of physics. It was a spectacular sight to watch him hit shots with perfect timing and placement to every corner of the ground. Everything was unconventional, yet brilliant. His impact was such that the selectors even entrusted him with the captaincy. But cricket always tests players, especially those who have reached great heights.
Now, the Challenge of Form
The 35-year-old Suryakumar Yadav now stands at a crossroads, struggling for every run. He's unable to bat with the same pace that captivated the world. He struggled in the 2025 Asia Cup as well. 2025 has been his most difficult year. No fifties, a dropped strike rate, and the sharpness in his shots seems to have vanished. Every dot ball feels heavy. Every dismissal raises questions about whether Suryakumar will shine again before the T20 World Cup. However, time is running out, as the T20 World Cup is just two months away. For the Indian team, Suryakumar is not just a batsman; he embodies pace, intent, and the very definition of modern T20 cricket.
2025: Suryakumar's Worst Year
Numbers always tell the truth, and this truth is bitter. His performance has dropped unusually in 2025. The batsman with four centuries and 394 T20 sixes suddenly seems to be struggling. A player who used to simply see the ball and hit it now appears to be trying too hard.
Will the South Africa series be the turning point?
If Suryakumar needs to regain his confidence and old magic, there's perhaps no better opponent than South Africa. Suryakumar's bat speaks volumes against South Africa. Against this team, Suryakumar has scored 372 runs in 10 innings at an average of 41.33 and a strike rate of 163.87. This includes one century and four half-centuries. Another record awaits him. If he scores 58 runs in this series, he will surpass Rohit Sharma to become the highest run-scorer against South Africa in T20 Internationals. Rohit had scored 429 runs. One perfect innings and the story could change again.
What's next?
After the series against South Africa, India has five more T20s against New Zealand, but India won't want to wait. They need SKY's brilliance now, not later. Because it's not just about runs...it's about the return of confidence, mindset, and identity. When Suryakumar Yadav is at his best, cricket becomes an art, and Suryakumar becomes the artist. The question is no longer whether he can do it or not...the question is when he will do it. The T20 World Cup is approaching, and all of India is waiting to witness SKY's brilliance.
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