Average of only 18.50! SKY’s Pakistan record a thorn in India’s Asia Cup ambitions

Suryakumar Yadav [Source: @shohini_adar11/X.com]

Suryakumar Yadav has definitely not been at the top of his game in the Asia Cup 2025. While he ranked as the world's No. 1 T20I batter, Surya has fallen from grace since being announced as the Indian team's captain. The numbers have been dropping gradually for 'Mr. 360', and it is somewhat concerning.

Given that India are set to meet Pakistan for the Asia Cup final on September 28, while India bats on Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill's opening partnerships, a solid No. 3 is equally required, which Surya failed to fulfil this edition. However, what is more concerning is the troubled record of SKY in major T20I tournaments against Pakistan. Let's take a look at it.

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Suryakumar Yadav's T20I stats against Pakistan in tournaments

As bad as it sounds, Suryakumar Yadav has been in a nightmarish form against Pakistan in major T20I tournaments. As per records, SKY has played 7 matches till date against Pakistan in tournaments like the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup. From the tournaments, Surya only averages 18.50 at a strike rate of 118.08 while accumulating 111 runs.

(Table - Suryakumar Yadav's T20I stats against Pakistan)

While it sparks concern, it is to be noted that, alongside having a poor average, he was also dismissed in almost all of these games except for the September 14 clash during the Asia Cup 2025.

Why Suryakumar Yadav fails against Pakistan?

Before analysing the possible reason for Suryakumar Yadav's failure against Pakistan in major T20I tournaments, let's take a look at how he was dismissed and by whom at the first place.

(Table - Suryakumar's dismissals against Pakistan in T20Is)

From the table above, it can be inferred that Pakistan's pacers have been a real trouble for Yadav in his encounters. Except for just one inning where he was dismissed by Mohammad Nawaz, Yadav has been constantly troubled by PAK speedsters like Hasan Ali, Naseem Shah and especially Haris Rauf. 

Now, if taken into account, SKY's strength against pacers, it can be seen that out of 78 T20Is he faced seamers, he was dismissed on 55 occasions and also conceded 36.1% dot balls while averaging 31.1. While his strike rate looks good. His success rate against seamers is only 29.5%.

SKY is undoubtedly a better spin player and also boasts a success rate of 75% against them in T20Is. Hence, his weakness against strong pace has been consistently tested by Pakistan's fiery pace battery and might be a concern in the upcoming clash too.

Conclusion: Can Surya overcome the Pakistan woe?

Suryakumar Yadav can outperform himself in the Asia Cup 2025 final with a smarter approach, with more tactical and technical shifts in his batting. He must watch the length closely, resisting the urge to drive early and avoiding risky lunges at wide, full deliveries.

He is known for his unorthodox and lofty gameplay. Fighting that urge to play aerial shots should also help him gain a better score in the match as he could stay longer on the crease with grounded shots. Moreover, maintaining mental composure is key as he might have to anchor if the top order collapses somehow.

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