Former India spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has defended India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, who has been struggling for form in recent matches. Ashwin argued that Suryakumar’s brief but aggressive innings often contribute more to the game than statistics may suggest.
Speaking on his YouTube channel after the fourth T20I against Australia, Ashwin emphasized that such short knocks can be crucial in T20 cricket, especially when the team needs quick momentum during key overs.
“Ten balls for 20 from Suryakumar Yadav was extremely valuable. I always think in T20 cricket, 10 balls for 20 at a 200 strike rate is more valuable,”
he said, highlighting the significance of the captain’s quick scoring. Suryakumar entered at a pressure point during the match, hitting two sixes off Adam Zampa before being dismissed in the 16th over by Xavier Bartlett. This performance, though short-lived, hinted at a possible return to rhythm for the player.
Since assuming captaincy, Suryakumar has faced challenges maintaining consistency, with only two fifties to his name after the 2024 T20 World Cup. Yet, Ashwin’s comments reflect his belief in Surya’s aggressive approach and its potential to change the course of a match even in fleeting appearances.
Ashwin backed Suryakumar Yadav’s brief but high-impact innings, stressing that quick scoring in T20s can outweigh traditional measures of form.