Former India and RCB pacer Varun Aaron opined that Suryakumar Yadav batting at No. 4 has played a big role in his revival as a batter. According to Aaron, the Indian skipper is at ease while batting at No. 4 because he knows his exact role, having performed the same duty for Mumbai Indians (MI) for a number of years.
Suryakumar led from the front with a blazing 84* off 49 as India beat USA by 29 runs in a Group A match of the 2026 T20 World Cup at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on Saturday, February 7. Sent into bat, the hosts crumbled to 77-6 before Suryakumar almost singlehandedly lifted them to 161-9, smashing 10 fours and four sixes in his brilliant knock.
During a discussion on ESPNcricinfo, Aaron pointed out to the fact that Suryakumar has rediscovered his touch after moving back to the No. 4 position. He opined that the No. 3 spot is not right for him owing to his batting mindset. The former India fast bowler explained:
“You can’t underestimate the fact that Surya is back at No. 4. He’s hit this form after a long time after he has come down from No. 3 to No. 4. Ever since he has come to No. 4, he’s really hit his straps. Batting at No. 3, he almost feels like the world is his oyster with the amount of shots he has. When he goes to No. 4, there’s almost a sense of purpose.
“That’s always been Surya’s role even at MI. He’s been so successful at the Wankhede, has finished innings. If you think about Suryakumar Yadav, you would think of him as a finisher. You wouldn’t think of him as a No. 3,” the 36-year-old added.
During the same discussion, former India captain Anil Kumble credited Suryakumar for showing great maturity and reining himself in when the chips were down. Kumble said:
“He was looking to play straight early on. He was a bit measured and took the game deep, waited for the last two overs. Most of his runs came in those last two or three overs. It was a typical old-fashioned approach.”
After Suryakumar’s heroics lifted India to 161, Mohammed Siraj claimed 3-29, while Arshdeep Singh and Axar Patel picked up two each to restrict USA to 132-8.
Suryakumar’s T20I stats at No. 3 and No. 4
In 32 innings while batting at the No. 3 position, Suryakumar has scored 864 runs at an average of 32 and a strike rate of 158.53, with one ton and six fifties. In contrast, in 57 innings at No. 4, the 35-year-old has smashed 1,975 runs at an average of 42.93 and a strike rate of 169.52, with three hundreds and one fifty.
Edited by Renin Wilben Albert
