![Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy record in T20Is [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1757313965017_Suryakumar_Yadav.jpg?type=mq)
Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy record in T20Is [Source: AFP]
The Asia Cup 2025 is fast approaching, with eight teams set to battle it out for the prestigious trophy. India have already announced their squad for the tournament, with Suryakumar Yadav leading the side and Shubman Gill serving as his deputy in the 15-member team.
As the top-ranked T20I side in Asia, India enter the competition as favorites, but the bigger story lies in what this tournament could mean for Suryakumar himself. With the 2026 T20 World Cup less than a year away, his performance as captain in the Asia Cup may well decide his long-term role as India’s leader in the shortest format.
Suryakumar took charge of the T20I side after Rohit Sharma’s retirement in June 2024 and has guided India with remarkable success since then. Under his leadership, India swept Sri Lanka and Bangladesh 3-0 each, beat South Africa 3-1, and dominated England 4-1.
He also oversaw a commanding 4-1 victory against Australia, which was seen as a form of revenge for India’s World Cup final defeat. These results reflect both consistency and dominance, key factors that strengthen his reputation as a capable captain.
The numbers speak clearly. Since becoming captain, Suryakumar has led India in 22 T20I internationals, winning 18 and losing only 4. He has not just excelled as a leader but has also contributed significantly with the bat.
Suryakumar's Captaincy In T20Is
| Matches as Captain | Wins | Losses | Runs Scored | Batting Average | Strike Rate |
| 22 | 18 | 4 | 558 | 26.57 | 163.15 |
Notably, in 22 innings under his captaincy, he has scored 558 runs at an impressive strike rate of 163.15. While his average of 26.57 shows some inconsistency, his aggressive approach at the top has often given India the momentum it needs in T20 cricket.
India's Batting Approach Changed Under Surya's Captaincy
One of the most striking changes under his leadership has been India’s playing style. The team has adopted a much more aggressive approach than in the past, showing intent to attack almost every ball. This shift has allowed India to post daunting targets and put pressure on opponents from the very start, which is a strategy that fits perfectly with modern T20 cricket.
The transformation has been visible in their ability to dictate terms regardless of conditions, making India a far more intimidating side under Suryakumar’s guidance.
The broader picture also favours India heading into the Asia Cup. Rival teams appear to be struggling for form. Sri Lanka recently faced a setback against Zimbabwe, and Afghanistan have been inconsistent, while Pakistan remain the only side showing some resilience after their series win against Afghanistan in UAE. This gives India a psychological edge, especially with match-winners like Hardik Pandya, Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, and Abhishek Sharma in their ranks.
Yet, not everything is settled within India’s squad. The decision to name Shubman Gill as vice-captain could have an impact on the batting order, particularly with Sanju Samson excluded from the setup. If Gill is slotted into the top order, it may disrupt the balance of India’s batting lineup, which could become a factor in high-pressure games.
How Suryakumar manages these combinations will be closely observed throughout the tournament.
Ultimately, Asia Cup represents more than just another title opportunity for India. For Suryakumar Yadav, it is a test of leadership on a bigger stage, his first ACC tournament as captain. A successful campaign will cement his authority as India’s T20I leader heading into the 2026 World Cup. On the other hand, any struggles could raise questions about whether India are fully ready for the transition in the post-Rohit Sharma era.
