Srikkanth warns Suryakumar Yadav: Give priority to batting over captaincy before 2026 T20 World Cup

1983 World Cup winner **Krishnamachari Srikkanth** has expressed serious concern over India’s T20I captain **Suryakumar Yadav**’s chronic poor batting form, calling it “extremely worrying” ahead of the **ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026** in February.

Suryakumar, who was retained as captain of the defending champions, had a difficult year in 2025, averaging around 14 in 22 T20I innings and not hitting any fifty (strike rate ~125). His poor form has been going on for more than 14 months, with runs not coming in since he took over the captaincy after the 2024 win.

On his YouTube channel, Srikkanth advised to perform consistently: “He cannot change his batting position frequently… If it is No. 3, it should be No. 3 all the time.” He suggested that the burden of leadership may be impacting his performances: “I think he is focusing too much on captaincy to the detriment of his batting… Captaincy will come on its own because he is a good captain.”

Srikkanth stressed that getting back into form is vital for the stability of India’s middle order in the tournament, which is being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka (starting on February 7).

Suryakumar led India to a 3–1 T20I series win against South Africa in December 2025, but his contributions remained modest (e.g., low scores in several matches). The upcoming five-match home T20I series against New Zealand (January 21-31, 2026) will serve as preparation for the final.

Suryakumar admitted his poor form: “This phase has dragged on a bit… You will definitely see batsman Suryakumar back.”

As defending champions, India are banking on Suryakumar’s explosive performances. Srikkanth’s advice emphasizes on striking a balance between leadership and individual form for success in the World Cup.