Former India cricketer Mohammed Kaif believes that, while India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has a better record at No. 4, if the opening combination fires and scores well during the powerplay, he should come in at three and give himself more time to settle in and build his innings.

Suryakumar batted at no.3 in 10 of 19 T20I innings last year, scoring 156 runs with an average of 22.29 and a 134.48 strike rate. In the next nine innings at No. 4, he managed only 62 runs at a low average of 6.89.

In the recent first T20I against New Zealand in Nagpur, Suryakumar batted at No. 4, with the returning Ishan Kishan slotting in at No. 3.

“His record at No.4 is better and I think he suits better at No.4, but if the opening partnership fires, if they play for 6-7 overs, in that case SKY should come in at No.3, because if he gets to play more balls, then India will benefit from it," Kaif said while speaking on Star Sports.

“If a wicket falls to the new ball, then you can send in Tilak Varma. I think it’s a concern for now, but he is only one innings away from finding form. He is such a big batter, has a brilliant record, and is a big-match player. If one knock comes of 50-60 runs, then the form will return," Kaif added.

Suryakumar has been an excellent India captain, with the Men in Blue losing only four T20Is in his leadership, and the team has remained unbeaten in bilateral T20Is since the 2024 T20 World Cup.

“Surya’s camaraderie and chemistry with his teammates are excellent. I remember one match where even after India won, he was seen talking with players. He was focused on letting the players know about the mistakes, even after winning, and how to improve them for the next game. I have seen passion from him as a captain. He has become a proper leader," Kaif concluded.

Suryakumar will lead India when they face New Zealand in the second T20I of the series on January 23, 2026.