Suryakumar Yadav: I know where things are going wrong

Suryakumar Yadav is short of runs—190 runs in 14 innings at an average of 17.26 and a strike rate of 124.2. His highest score since the Asia Cup is an unbeaten 47 against Pakistan. The numbers do not justify his stature or expectations.

At a media conference in Mumbai, he addressed his form: "I'm sure everyone has seen this in their respective careers. I will also work on that. I know what to do. I know where things are going wrong. I've got some time to work on it. We have the New Zealand series coming up, and that's an important phase for me."

After the fifth T20I against South Africa, Yadav acknowledged his struggles: "Maybe the only thing we couldn't quite manage was finding 'Surya the batter.' I think he went missing somewhere! But he'll be back stronger."

Reflecting further, he said: "I've been watching my videos over the past three months. You go back to your old clips where you batted really well and delivered for India, and you try to carry the same thing forward. I've been batting beautifully in the nets. The thing is, there is a small hurdle. It's invisible, but it will be far away, I'm sure."

On playing the T20 World Cup at home, he said: "It's a good responsibility for me, and it's a good challenge as well. It's also a great motivation to play in front of your home crowd. We tried the same approach in 2023 (in the ODI World Cup), and what we tried then, I can't forget. Talking about the squad, I think it looks balanced. We've actually built all the spots really well."

The T20 World Cup begins on February 7, with the final on March 8. India play a five-match T20I series at home against New Zealand in January.