Suryakumar Yadav showed indications of regaining form in the opening T20I against New Zealand on Wednesday, January 21, at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur. The Indian skipper, who averaged 13.62 in T20I cricket last year, hit a critical 32 from 22 balls at Orange City.
Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has advised that Suryakumar bat at No. 4 in the upcoming T20 World Cup. Following Ishan Kishan’s wicket in the first T20I, the Mumbai hitter walked in at the same position. Pathan believes Suryakumar can dominate spinners in the middle overs if he bats at No. 4.
“No. 4. The way he has dominated in the middle overs for years and years, with his sweeps and ability to play spin really well. So, I think that is his position,” Pathan told Star Sports.
Pathan also praised Abhishek Sharma, who scored an incredible 84 off 35 balls, including five fours and eight sixes.
“He’s a bowler killer. If you want to destroy a bowler’s confidence, bring him to bowl in front of an in-form Abhishek Sharma. So, that is why he can be an X-factor,” Pathan mentioned.
Sanju Samson did not bat in the first T20I after being bowled by Kyle Jamieson for seven runs in ten balls. However, Pathan encouraged the Indian team management to continue supporting the Kerala wicketkeeper-batsman.
“It should be Sanju Samson. He has hit centuries as an opener, and it also gives you that right-left combination. So, right now, Sanju Samson,” he added.
I feel it should be Shreyas Iyer at No. 3 because he has shown his capabilities: Irfan Pathan
Shreyas Iyer has been added to the Indian team as a last-minute substitute for Tilak Verma. While India sent Ishan Kishan to bat at No. 3, Pathan believes Shreyas is the best fit, especially after his impressive performance in the IPL 2025.
“I feel it should be Shreyas Iyer at No. 3 because he has shown his capabilities. We’ve seen how well he performed in the last IPL (604 runs in 17 innings at a strike rate of 175.07).”
Irfan Pathan
Irfan Pathan was also asked to suggest a bowler other than Jasprit Bumrah who may be India’s go-to choice in the final overs. The former all-rounder chose left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh.
“It could be Arshdeep Singh. He has that wide yorker with left-arm angle for the death overs, and he can also target the stumps whenever he wants.”
Irfan Pathan
