As India’s T20 World Cup title defence looms less than a month away, the most important development hasn't been the series win against New Zealand, but the "re-awakening" of captain Suryakumar Yadav.
After a staggering 23-inning drought without a half-century; a stretch dating back to October 2024, the World No. 1 T20 batter has silenced critics with back-to-back fifties. Legendary opener Sunil Gavaskar broke down the revival, noting that while the 360-degree magic is back, the foundation was built on uncharacteristic patience.
The second T20I in Raipur served as the catalyst. Following the early dismissals of Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson (1.1 overs), Suryakumar was forced into a "rescue" role rather than his usual accelerator persona.
The cautious Start: He scored just 10 runs from his first 10 balls, a strike rate (100) rarely seen from him.
The explosion: Once settled, he hammered 72 runs off the next 27 deliveries, specifically targeting the pace attack that had previously been his Achilles' heel.
The statistic: Before this series, Suryakumar had been dismissed by fast bowlers 15 times within the first 10 balls of his innings. Raipur broke that pattern.
Analyzing the comeback on Star Sports, Sunil Gavaskar pointed out that the gap between net sessions and match reality has finally closed.
He hasn’t been short of form; he’s been short of runs. He has been batting very well in the nets; hitting the ball cleanly and all around the ground. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of luck to get going. This time, he didn’t even need luck. That Raipur innings was exactly what he needed
Sunil Gavaskar
Following the third T20I in Guwahati, where Surya smashed 57 off 26 balls, New Zealand's Daryl Mitchell was seen jokingly examining the skipper's bat. The innings was heavily laden on the Black Caps' spinners:
Glenn Phillips: 15 runs off 5 balls.
Ish Sodhi: 14 runs off 8 balls.
Mitchell Santner: 18 runs off 8 balls.
Aakash Chopra added that Surya's "checked ego" was vital: "He never allowed his ego to come in when his partners were going hammer and tongs. He realized he needed to spend time in the middle."
