Suryakumar Yadav Needs Tactical Shift, Says Former Wicketkeeper
Suryakumar Yadav should learn from Virat Kohli's famous match-winning innings against Pakistan in the 2022 T20 World Cup. This advice comes from former Mumbai and Railways wicketkeeper Sulakshan Kulkarni. He believes the Indian captain must start playing more with the full face of the bat.
Form Slump Raises Concerns
Once considered a nightmare for bowlers, Suryakumar Yadav's batting form has dipped significantly over the past two years. His signature shots like the scoop over fine-leg and the off-side slice are still present. However, he has not been at his explosive best recently.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 less than a month away, Suryakumar's lack of runs is a major worry for head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management. The Indian skipper needs to find his rhythm quickly.
Kulkarni's Detailed Analysis
Sulakshan Kulkarni knows Suryakumar's game intimately. He suggests the batter needs to make important tactical adjustments. Instead of relying solely on the bowler's pace, Kulkarni wants Suryakumar to apply more of his own force into shots.
"His thinking is to use the fast bowler's speed," Kulkarni explained in an exclusive chat. "When you play in the 'V' region, a batter uses double force. But Surya's approach is different. He prefers to use the bowler's pace to hit behind the wicket." Kulkarni currently serves as the deputy head coach of Oman.
Struggles Against Pace Bowling
A clear weakness has emerged in Suryakumar's recent performances. He has significant trouble facing fast bowlers. In his last twelve innings for India, pacers have dismissed him ten times. On average, he survives only about eight deliveries against them.
Kulkarni emphasizes that Suryakumar must play more shots in the 'V' region. This area is the arc between mid-on and mid-off. "He has scored plenty of runs against fast bowlers, especially with shots behind the wicket and square of the wicket," Kulkarni observed. "But his wagon wheel shows he hardly plays in front, in that 'V' shape."
The coach argues that playing with the full face of the bat reduces dismissal chances. "The first ten balls, he can play in the 'V' shape to get a feel," Kulkarni stated. "In his recent innings, he kept getting out to catches at fine leg, third man, and square leg." Kulkarni has previously coached Tamil Nadu and Mumbai at the domestic level.
Learning from Kohli's Masterclass
The 59-year-old coach pointed to Virat Kohli's brilliant 82 against Pakistan as a template. Kohli batted under immense pressure during that innings. He scored at nearly a run-a-ball until the 14th over. From 34 runs off 33 balls, Kohli accelerated dramatically to finish 82 not out from 53 deliveries, sealing an Indian victory.
Kulkarni urged Suryakumar to adopt a similar patient approach. "As far as Surya's batting is concerned, he should spend more time in the middle," he said. "He is getting out within the first 10 or 12 balls. Even the great Viv Richards took some time initially. Virat Kohli also spends time at the crease in T20s. Surya should use these kinds of strategies. He is playing his shots too early."
Time is Running Out
Suryakumar Yadav has already acknowledged his poor form publicly. He understands where things are going wrong. The upcoming five-match T20I series represents India's final opportunity to fine-tune their World Cup preparations. The Indian captain will be desperate to regain his touch before leading his country on the global stage for the first time.
Since India's T20 World Cup triumph in 2024, Suryakumar has passed fifty only twice. His last half-century came against Bangladesh in Hyderabad back in 2024. His most notable innings since then was an unbeaten 47 against Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup. The clock is ticking for a return to form.
