Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I captain and once known as the peerless “Mr 360”, flashed a big smile after India’s crushing 51-run defeat to South Africa in the second T20I in Mullanpur on December 11, 2025—the latest example of his poor form which is costing their hopes of defending the title in 2026. Marco Jensen dismissed him for 5 runs off 4 balls—the ball went through the slips on a light shot—SKY’s troubles were further compounded when the top order collapsed, and India were all out for 162 while chasing 214, leveling the series at 1–1, despite winning the first match by 101 runs. Quinton de Kock’s brilliant 90 gave South Africa a comeback, but all eyes were on SKY, whose poor form is being described by former players like Irfan Pathan as “a matter of grave concern” ahead of the big tournament in February-March 2026.
The contrast stings: In IPL 2025, Mumbai Indians had retained him for Rs 16.35 crore, and SKY was a stalwart—scoring 717 runs in 16 innings at an average of 65.18 and a strike rate of 167.91, including five half-centuries, leading MI to the playoffs with a total of 640 runs. Yet, in 17 T20I innings this year, he has scored just 201 runs at a disappointing average of 14.35 and a strike rate of 126.41—no half-centuries, being out for a duck three times, and has not scored a half-century in 20 consecutive innings since October 2024. Since November 2024, he has scored 227 runs in 20 innings at an average of 13.35 and a strike rate of 120.10—his worst performance in a calendar year. Before captaincy, his T20I average was 43.40 (2,040 runs in 61 innings); Since July 2024, it has fallen to 25.03, a decline of 18 runs which analysts are linking to leadership burden.
SKY says captaincy is not the reason, but the evidence is mounting: managing a transitional team without Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, they have been forced to attack from ball one, leading to easy wickets on seaming tracks. Controversial decisions, such as sending Axar Patel to No. 3 to save (21 runs from 21 balls), led to criticism from Dale Steyn (“big mistake”) and Robin Uthappa (“desperation tactics”). Aakash Chopra criticized: “A captain’s job is not just toss and manage the bowlers – with an average of 14, focus on offside plays.” Pathan also said the same: “His place as captain is confirmed – but not scoring runs in a year adds to the pressure. The form should come back before the World Cup.”
SKY’s record is tactically excellent – 80% win rate (17/21 T20Is), unbeaten in seven bilateral series (Sri Lanka 3-0, England 4-1, Australia 2-1), and winning the Asia Cup 2025. Yet, as Uthappa warns, Gambhir’s “flexible” order – preferring Gill (136 SR) over Sanju Samson (182 SR, three centuries) – “could backfire” if the top order fails. The debate on bowling continues: two spinners and Axar, or a pacer like Harshit Rana? Opener: Gill’s poor form or Samson’s dynamism?
India’s depth – Abhishek Sharma’s fireworks, Tilak Verma’s courage – gives time, but the World Cup depends on the stars. As ESPN points out, SKY’s “bad run” risks derailing the defense; Fans joke: “Arrange a series with Hong Kong!” Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate urges patience: “Don’t think too much – the mindset is getting better.” With eight T20I matches left, India need a courageous SKY instead of this run-of-the-mill version – before the storm swallows their reign.
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