India's Asia Cup winner picks Suryakumar Yadav's ideal batting position ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif feels Suryakumar Yadav is best suited to bat at number three and has advised the Indian captain to avoid dropping too low in the batting order.

Since taking over the T20I captaincy from Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar has often changed his batting position, moving between number three and four. Kaif believes this constant shuffling is not helping the stylish batter.

Suryakumar Yadav's performance at number 3 and 4

The numbers from 2025 back Kaif’s view. In 19 T20I innings last year, Suryakumar batted at number three in 10 matches, scoring 156 runs at an average of 22.29 and a strike rate of 134.48. However, in the nine games where he came in at number four, he managed just 62 runs at an average of 6.89, with a strike rate of 101.64.

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In the first T20I against New Zealand in Nagpur, Suryakumar had to bat at number four after Ishan Kishan returned to the side and took the number three spot.

Mohammad Kaif's advice for Suryakumar Yadav

Kaif, who was part of India’s Asia Cup-winning team in 2002, said Suryakumar should not delay his entry if the openers get off to a strong start in the powerplay. According to him, coming in earlier allows Suryakumar to make better use of the fielding restrictions and play his natural attacking game.

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"His record at No.4 is better, and I think he suits better at No.4, but if the opening partnership fires, if they play for 6-7 overs, in that case SKY should come in at No.3, because if he gets to play more balls, then India will benefit from it. If a wicket falls to the new ball, then you can send in Tilak Varma," Mohammad Kaif said on Star Sports.

Suryakumar Yadav's upcoming outing

Suryakumar Yadav will now be seen leading India in the second T20I against New Zealand. Notably, the Men in Blue are currently leading 1-0 in the five-match series against the BlackCaps. After this he will lead India in the T20 World Cup 2026 which is scheduled to start from February 7.