‘Extremely Worrying’: Krishnamachari Srikkanth Fires warning shot at Suryakumar Yadav with T20 World Cup in mind

Former India selector Krishnamachari Srikkanth has voiced serious concerns regarding captain Suryakumar Yadav’s form as the T20 World Cup 2026 in February approaches. The 35-year-old’s recent statistics are worrying; over the past 12 months, he has averaged just above 17 across 17 T20I appearances, managing to cross the fifty-run mark only once. This uncharacteristic dip in production from the world’s top-ranked batter has raised alarms about his readiness for the upcoming global tournament.

ALSO READ: Virat Kohli’s final 2025 post with Anushka Sharma breaks the internet

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth was particularly critical of the way Suryakumar has managed his own position in the lineup. He accused the veteran of playing "musical chairs" with his batting order, suggesting that constant shifts in his role have hindered his ability to find a consistent rhythm.

Suryakumar Yadav's form is extremely worrying: Krishnamachari Srikkanth

The former selector emphasized that with the T20 World Cup being co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka, stability is paramount. Srikkanth urged Suryakumar to commit to a fixed batting slot immediately, arguing that settling into a defined position is the only way to rediscover his elite form and provide the middle-order reliability India needs to be successful on the world stage.

"He has to focus and take his time. He can't keep changing his batting position. He has to have a fixed number. If it's No. 3, it should be No. 3 all the time. For him to get back to form is extremely crucial with the T20 World Cup around the corner. Surya will be in the team and captain the team anytime. But his form is extremely worrying. Not only for those on the outside or the team but he himself will be worried," said Srikkanth.

ALSO READ: How Team India fared In 2025: Wins, losses and key takeaways from the season across formats

Suryakumar needs to shift his primary focus back to his batting, implying that the responsibilities of leadership might be weighing on his individual performance. He noted that for a player of Suryakumar's caliber, regaining his rhythm with the willow should be the immediate priority to ensure he remains an asset to the middle order.

Furthermore, the veteran commentator highlighted the psychological toll of such a slump, remarking that the player himself is likely deeply concerned by this prolonged lean patch. He pointed out that no matter how well a captain leads, the personal pressure of failing to contribute runs can become a significant distraction as a major tournament approache

"He himself will look at how he hasn't scored at all in the last while. He was a bit unfortunate today to get out the way he did. I feel he is focusing too much on his captaincy to the detriment of his batting. He shouldn't be doing that. He should be focusing on his batting. Captaincy will come to him automatically as he is a good captain," he added.

Suryakumar's silent show against South Africa

Suryakumar’s most recent international assignment was the recently concluded T20I series against South Africa. While his personal run-scoring was limited, his leadership remained sharp as he guided the "Men in Blue" to a convincing 3-1 series victory on South African soil. This successful campaign provided a much-needed boost to the team's morale, even as questions persist regarding the captain’s individual form.

ALSO READ: Ruturaj Gaikwad impresses ahead of NZ ODIs, rescues Maharashtra with gritty hundred in VHT

The star batter will next lead the squad in a five-match T20I series against New Zealand in January 2026. This series acts as a vital final rehearsal for both teams, offering a high-stakes environment to fine-tune strategies and finalize rosters just weeks before the T20 World Cup kicks off on February 7. For Suryakumar, these matches will be a critical opportunity to silence critics and find his rhythm before the global tournament begins.
India heads into the upcoming World Cup with the prestige of being the defending champions. The team secured their title in spectacular fashion during the 2024 edition in Barbados, where they defeated South Africa in a thrilling final. As they prepare to compete on home soil in the 2026 edition, the pressure will be on Suryakumar and his side to maintain that dominance and retain the trophy.