New Delhi: Suryakumar Yadav is ready for his first major assignment as India’s T20I captain as the Men in Blue gear up for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025. The continental tournament, which is set to get underway on September 09, will be played in T20 format this year, with focus on the T20 World Cup next year. Suryakumar recently recovered fully after undergoing surgery for a sports hernia and will be looking to make a strong return for Team India.
Expectations are high from Suryakumar, who is arguably one of the best T20 batters in the world at present. However, there remain doubts as he is returning from an injury. Ahead of the start of the Asia Cup 2025, former Pakistan cricketer Bazid Khan analysed India’s batting line-up for the tournament and made some surprising remarks on the Indian skipper.
While he acknowledged the overall quality of the Indian squad, Bazid questioned Suryakumar’s record against Pakistan at the international level, stating that he has been effective against the arch-rivals. Bazid also said that India will miss the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who brought more intensity in high-pressure matches against Pakistan.
“Look, all these players are high-class. There isn’t anyone here you would say is not of that calibre. But the high intensity that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma brought to the game, that is something India will surely miss,” Bazid said on PTV Sports.
“Suryakumar scores runs against almost everyone, but somehow against Pakistan he hasn’t been effective. Whether it is the pace attack or some other reason, it remains an issue,” he added.
Suryakumar was appointed as India’s captain following the conclusion of the T20 World Cup 2024 last year. He replaced Rohit, who retired from T20Is after leading India to a memorable triumph in the tournament. The star batter has done well as captain in the shortest format, having led India to T20I series wins against Bangladesh and Australia.
Talking about his record against Pakistan, Suryakumar has managed only 64 runs against the Men in Green at an average of 12.80 and a strike rate of 118.50, with the highest score of 18. He will have to step up with the bat in the upcoming clash between the two arch-rivals in the Asia Cup 2025 to help India keep their dominant record intact against Pakistan.