Suryakumar Yadav's 84% Win Rate as Captain Goes Uncelebrated, Says Pathan

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has questioned why Suryakumar Yadav’s leadership as India’s T20I captain has not received wider recognition, despite consistent results and strong on-field impact. Speaking ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, Pathan argued that Suryakumar’s contribution as a leader has often been overshadowed, even as India continues to thrive under his stewardship.

Suryakumar took over the T20I captaincy from Rohit Sharma following the 2024 T20 World Cup and has since established himself as a steady and assertive leader. Under his captaincy, India has adopted an attacking and fearless brand of cricket, an approach supported by head coach Gautam Gambhir. The strategy has delivered results, including series victories in Australia and South Africa, dominant performances at home, and success in the Asia Cup.

Pathan highlighted the statistical backing behind Suryakumar’s captaincy, pointing to his impressive win percentage in T20 internationals. He said the numbers clearly reflect the skipper’s effectiveness, yet public and media appreciation has not matched those achievements. According to Pathan, such muted praise is difficult to justify given India’s sustained success in the format.

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In particular, Pathan drew comparisons between Suryakumar and former captain Rohit Sharma, noting similarities in their leadership styles. He praised Suryakumar for being actively involved in the game, backing his bowlers, and taking decisive calls under pressure, qualities Pathan described as hallmarks of a strong captain.

The former all-rounder also underlined the importance of confidence for a leader heading into a major tournament. Suryakumar’s return to form in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand, where he scored back-to-back half-centuries, was seen as a timely boost both personally and for the team.

With the T20 World Cup approaching, Pathan said it was crucial for Suryakumar to feel secure in his role and form. As India prepares to defend their title in 2026, the focus, he suggested, should not only be on results but also on giving due credit to the captain guiding the team forward.

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