Former India captain Sunil Gavaskar has offered a frank assessment of Suryakumar Yadav’s recent struggles, suggesting that the Indian batter temporarily shelve one of his most productive strokes until he finds his rhythm again.
Speaking during live commentary, Gavaskar pointed out that a shot which once brought Suryakumar immense success has recently become a liability due to his lack of form.
“It has been a very, very productive shot for him. Now, when you are not in form, it's only gone up in the air instead of going the distance, and well inside the boundary. So maybe, until he starts to get going, he should look to keep that shot in cold storage,” Gavaskar remarked.
Concern Over Risk Without Returns
Gavaskar emphasised that while Suryakumar’s attacking mindset has been a key strength throughout his career, the current situation demands a more calculated approach.
“Because it's getting him out and India doesn't require Suryakumar Yadav scoring only 12 runs,” the former skipper added, underlining the importance of stability in the middle order.
The comment reflects growing concern over Suryakumar’s recent dismissals, where his intent has remained high but execution has failed to match past standards.
A Temporary Adjustment, Not a Criticism
Gavaskar’s remarks were not a criticism of Suryakumar’s natural game but rather a suggestion to adapt to circumstances. Known for his fearless strokeplay and innovative batting, Suryakumar has built his reputation on shots that few others attempt. However, Gavaskar believes even elite players must tweak their approach during lean phases.
Cricketing greats have often spoken about the need to “bat time” when confidence is low, allowing form to return naturally before reintroducing high-risk strokes.
India’s Expectations From a Key Batter
As one of India’s most important middle-order players, Suryakumar carries the responsibility of anchoring innings as much as accelerating them. Quick dismissals, especially during crucial phases, can put additional pressure on the batting unit.
India’s team balance relies heavily on experienced players contributing meaningful runs, and Gavaskar’s comments highlight the expectation for Suryakumar to play match-defining knocks rather than brief cameos.
The Road Ahead
With a packed international calendar ahead, Suryakumar Yadav will be keen to rediscover his touch quickly. A short-term adjustment, as suggested by Gavaskar, could help him regain confidence before unleashing his full range of strokes again.
For now, the message from one of India’s greatest batters is clear — adapt, consolidate, and then dominate.
