India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav endured a lean patch with the bat last year. He managed to score only 218 runs across 21 matches and 19 innings, averaging just over 13, with the best score of 47* to his credit.
With only two weeks remaining for the T20 World Cup 2026, the Men in Blue are currently hosting New Zealand in a five-match T20I series.
The first T20I was played on Wednesday on (January 21) in Nagpur, where Suryakumar showcased glimpses of returning to form as he scored 32 off 22 balls in India’s 48-run win.
The former No.1-ranked T20I batter carried his form into the second match in Raipur on Friday (January 23), hammering 82 not out off 37 balls with 9 fours and 4 sixes to make a statement.
Suryakumar added 122 runs for the third wicket with Ishan Kishan (76 off 32) and followed it up an unbeaten 81-run stand with Shivam Dube (36* off 18) to take India over the line with seven wickets and 28 deliveries to spare in the chase of 209.
In the post-match presser, Dube heaped praise on Suryakumar, saying that he had the “best seat in the house” to witness his captain’s wide repertoire of strokes.
“I was asked about Surya’s form in a press conference not so long ago. I said that when he shows his form, the world will know what type of player he is,” Dube told reporters. “Today, he showed why he is the number one T20 batter. I enjoyed it a lot and it felt really good to see him.”
The all-rounder was also effusive in praise of Kishan, who earned the Player-of-the-Match award for his breathtaking knock.
“Ishan is one of the best left-handers I’ve seen. In the dressing room, we call him a small pocket blast,” Dube stated. “His batting is very strong. He knows what he can do, and he showed it tonight.”
Shivam Dube acknowledged that the heavy dew made conditions difficult for the bowlers, turning the match into a batting spectacle.
Dube also spoke about his growing role with the ball. He claimed the prized scalp of Daryl Mitchell with a slower delivery in Raipur
“Definitely, a lot of hard work has gone into it, but the support of the captain and coach is very important,” Dube said. “I’ve prepared myself for different situations. As a sixth bowler, whether I get two, three or four overs, I try to bowl according to what the situation demands.”
With this victory, India gained a 2-0 lead in the five-match series. The third T20I will be played in Guwahati on Sunday (January 25).
(With PTI Inputs)
