NEW DELHI: Since taking over the T20I captaincy from Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav has commanded attention both on and off the field — but for all the wrong reasons. The 35-year-old’s batting, once India’s most electrifying in the shortest format, has gone alarmingly quiet even as he courts headlines for his antics and interviews.

More theatrics than runs

During India’s title-winning Asia Cup campaign, Suryakumar Yadav made news not for his trademark shots or match-winning knocks but for controversies — from refusing to shake hands with Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha to sitting out the league game against Oman. He has tried too hard to imitate Rohit Sharma’s carefree charm, often fumbling player names at tosses, dabbling in political remarks, and engaging in overexposure through interviews.

While India dominated the tournament, beating Pakistan thrice en route to lifting the trophy, the captain’s batting slump was overshadowed by the team’s success. In eleven innings this year, Suryakumar has managed just 100 runs at a strike rate of 105.26 — a far cry from his prime form. Since becoming captain, he has accumulated only 330 runs in 20 innings, with two half-centuries to his name.

IPL form offers brief respite

If not for his standout IPL 2025 season, where the Mumbai Indians batter smashed 717 runs in 16 innings at a blistering strike rate of 167.90, the scrutiny would have been harsher. That purple patch, however, has not translated into international form.

Now, with India preparing to host the T20 World Cup, the question looms large — how long will the selectors overlook the captain’s dwindling returns?

Sources told TimesofIndia.com that Suryakumar continues to enjoy the backing of coach Gautam Gambhir and chief selector Ajit Agarkar, at least until the 2026 T20 World Cup. But the patience of fans and analysts may be wearing thin.

Gambhir stands by his captain

Coach Gautam Gambhir, speaking during a discussion on JioHotstar on Monday, publicly backed his captain despite the dry run. “Honestly, Surya’s batting form doesn’t concern me because we have committed to an ultra-aggressive template in our dressing room. When you embrace this philosophy, failures are inevitable,” Gambhir said.

He added, “It would be easy for Surya to score 40 off 30 balls and avoid criticism, but we’ve decided it’s acceptable to fail while pursuing this approach.”

Gambhir also defended Suryakumar’s “free-spirited personality”, saying it encourages younger players to express themselves without fear. However, he acknowledged that his words will hold weight only if Surya regains form in the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia, starting Wednesday.

Technical flaws and pressure mounting

Suryakumar’s last fifty came over 14 innings ago, and his dismissals in the Asia Cup exposed a worrying trend — an overreliance on the sweep shot against spin and a tendency to play premeditated flicks against pace.

Except for an unbeaten 47 against Pakistan, he looked vulnerable throughout the tournament. The Dubai pitches, being two-paced, did not suit his natural style, but the challenge will intensify in Australia, where bouncier tracks await him.

Adding to the pressure are comparisons with Rohit Sharma’s leadership era, when India’s batting was more consistent despite the conservative approach. Surya’s insistence on maintaining an “ultra-aggressive” style has yet to yield consistent team performances.

‘Not out of form, just out of runs’

Following India’s Asia Cup victory, when asked about his prolonged slump and the so-called “handshake-gate” controversy, Suryakumar tried to stay defiant. “I feel I am not out of form, I feel I am out of runs,” he told reporters with a wry smile.

With just five months left for the T20 World Cup, the captain faces a critical phase. The selectors’ faith and Gambhir’s public support have given him breathing space, but as India builds towards a home campaign, a struggling leader could become a major concern.

For now, India’s hopes rest on Suryakumar rediscovering his touch, returning to the explosive, fearless batter who once redefined T20 batting. Anything less, and the calls for change may grow too loud to ignore.