Suryakumar Yadav suits No.4 but should bat at No.3 if openers fire, says Mohammad Kaif

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif feels that captain Suryakumar Yadav is best suited to bat at No. 4, but urged him to step up to No. 3 if a platform presents itself. Since taking over the captaincy after the 2024 T20 World Cup, Suryakumar has frequently shuffled between the two positions, with Tilak Varma’s rise being a key factor.

In 2025, Suryakumar batted at No. 3 in 10 of his 19 innings, scoring 156 runs at an average of 22.29 and a strike rate of 134.48. In the remaining nine innings at No. 4, he managed just 62 runs at an average of 6.89 and a strike rate of 101.64. In the opening T20I against New Zealand, Suryakumar came in at No. 4, with Ishan Kishan taking the No. 3 spot.

Kaif suggested that Suryakumar should not delay his entry if the openers bat through the powerplay and provide a solid platform. He added that the Indian skipper is just one good innings away from rediscovering his rhythm, which could come at the right time ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

“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. If a wicket falls to the new ball, then you can send in Tilak Varma,” Kaif said on Star Sports.

“I think it is 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,” he added.

Under Suryakumar’s full-time captaincy, India have lost only four T20Is and are yet to lose a bilateral series. His strong chemistry and working relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir have helped shape a new-age Indian T20I side, which appears well-balanced and well-placed for a successful World Cup title defence.

“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.