Suryakumar Yadav given Rohit Sharma warning as poor form clings him in England series too

Former Indian opening batter Aakash Chopra shared his thoughts on Suryakumar Yadav's recent form as a concern ahead of the second T20I against England. Aakash Chopra said that Suryakumar Yadav’s performances have dropped in 2024, drawing a parallel with ODI and Test captain Rohit Sharma's struggles.

India continued their strong performance in T20Is with a dominant seven-wicket victory over England in the series opener in Kolkata on January 22. Suryakumar Yadav made strategic decisions with great precision. He rotated his bowlers effectively and set the ideal fields after winning the toss and opting to field.

However, concerns have emerged about his batting form despite the team's success. The right-handed batter was dismissed for a three-ball duck during India’s successful run chase in the recent match. After holding the World No. 1 ranking for a long period, he has dropped to fourth in the latest rankings.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Numbers Aren’t Looking Very Good – Aakash Chopra

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra said that Suryakumar Yadav's declining form could affect his captaincy. Chopra likened the situation to Rohit Sharma's struggles, emphasizing the pressure on captains when they are not in form.

"The first thing is SKY's form, and I will tell you why. His numbers aren't looking very good. In 2021, he had an average of 34 and a strike rate of 155. In 2022, an average of 46 and a strike rate of 187 in 31 innings. In 2023 also, he scored 733 runs in 18 innings an average of 48.86 and a strike rate of 155," he said (6:15).

"Then came 2024. He scored 429 runs in 17 innings at an average of only 26 and a strike rate of around 150. So he is going at the same pace but hasn't scored that many runs. The decision-making doesn't remain that good without runs. A captain is under a lot of pressure when he doesn't score runs. If you don't believe me, ask Rohit Sharma," Chopra added.

SKY Would Come If a Right-Hander Gets Out – Aakash Chopra

In the video, Aakash Chopra pointed out that Suryakumar Yadav has become a "floater" in the lineup. Chopra mentioned that the team's strategy is to have a left-right combination opening, with Tilak Varma replacing a left-hander and Suryakumar coming in for a right-hander.

"Runs not getting scored is a bit of an issue. The new year has started and the first match didn't go well. You have also become a floater now. This team has decided that a left-hander and a right-hander would open. Tilak (Varma) would come if a left-hander gets out, and SKY would come if a right-hander gets out," he said (7:20).

His Batting Order Will Also Come Down – Aakash Chopra

The cricketer-turned-commentator said that Suryakumar could bat at No. 4 if Abhishek Sharma gets out before Sanju Samson.

"It seems like that. So if the Indian team goes with this formula, it's fine if Abhishek (Sharma) keeps playing and Sanju (Samson) gets out, or else his batting order will also come down," Chopra observed.

The second T20I of the five-match series between India and England is scheduled to take place at Chepauk in Chennai on Saturday, January 25. Team India is expected to field the same playing XI for the upcoming match.

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