19 innings without a fifty: Captain Suryakumar Yadavs form huge concern for India ahead of T20 World Cup 2026

India's T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav's form has dwindled, increasing the team management's headache ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, which is less than a couple of months away. Arguably one of the best T20 batters in the world at present, Suryakumar was once India's Mr. consistent in the shortest format and reigned as the no.1 T20I batter for a significant period.

However, his returns have dipped significantly in the last few months. The swashbuckling right-hander, who is known for his 360-degree prowess, has failed to notch up a half-century in T20Is in the last 13 months. While the team has been basking in success under his captaincy, Suryakumar has failed to deliver on the personal front.

It was yet another disappointing night for Suryakumar on Tuesday as he flopped in the first T20I against South Africa at the Barabati Stadium in Cuttack. The Indian skipper was dismissed cheaply on 12 off 11 balls after coming out to bat at no.3. Suryakumar perished after getting caught by Aiden Markram off the bowling of Lungi Ngidi as India's top order crumbled.

Hardik Pandya's blistering unbeaten 59 helped the hosts resurrect their innings and post a strong total on the board to a thumping 101-run victory and go 1-0 up in the series. While India have been unbeaten in all T20I series since Suryakumar took over as captain last year, his batting form has been a concern for the team.

Known for his ability to pierce all parts of the ground with incredible ease and his unorthodox shots, Suryakumar has looked far from his best for India in his last few innings. His struggles in the middle order is not good news for the defending champions if they are to fancy their chances of retaining their title in the T20 World Cup 2026.

Suryakumar has gone without a half-century for India for 19 innings in T20Is. In his last 19 innings in T20Is, the Indian skipper has managed only 222 runs at a strike rate of 120. His last half-century came in a T20I match against Bangladesh in October last year.

It has been 13 months since Suryakumar last raised his bat for a fifty for India in T20Is, a worrying sign for the hosts heading into the T20 World Cup at home next year. While his form has not been great, Suryakumar constantly shuffling positions at no.3 and 4 for India in T20Is has also led to instability and could be a reason behind his low-key returns.

Barring the openers, India have maintained a flexible approach in their batting line-up in T20Is. Suryakumar has often juggled between the no.3 and 4 spots, but has failed to get a consistent run at either spot. He usually bats at no.3, but has also slotted at 4 as per the team's requirement.

The Indian team management might need to give him an extended run at no.3, with only nine games left for the team before the T20 World Cup 2026. India need Suryakumar to fire with the bat on the pitch and not on the mic as they aim to lift a second title in a row in the home World Cup next year.