Former BCCI selector MSK Prasad has come out with a strong defense of the Indian batter, Suryakumar Yadav, as he has faced criticism in the current India T20 side, even after a disappointing stint in IPL 2026, and has urged against making “emotional decisions” based on his current slump.
As India national cricket team won the T20 World Cup on home soil, Suryakumar found his name in the conversation of great captains such as MS Dhoni and Rohit Sharma, as he contributed to the victory in 2026. But his performances since he was given the job to lead the T20I side have sparked concerns. He has seen a sharp decline in form over the past couple of months, averaging 26, though he has posted a strike rate of nearly 180 in the first half of his T20I career.
The rivalry became more pronounced in IPL 2026, where the dynamic duo has averaged an average of slightly over 20 runs per innings in their 270 runs in 13 innings. Yadav has been inconsistent, and so the question of whether to switch his role as captain and even his place in the playing XI has been raised as several youngsters have impressed in the tournament.
In spite of all the criticism, MSK Prasad defended Suryakumar’s role in the team. He emphasised that few cricketers in the world can do “360-degree cricket” as effortlessly as he. Suryakumar is one of the most dangerous T20 batters when he is at the crease, and Prasad says it would be a wrong decision to be rid of the batsman as he has a short lean period.
The former selector also noted that talented match-winners, at times, have to go through tough times, but that talent and impact shouldn’t be discounted lightly. Indian management is expected to keep supporting Suryakumar ahead of the major ICC events as he comes under criticism for his form and captaincy.