Aakash Chopra has warned India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav over his poor form with the ball in the shortest format of the game. Suryakumar scored more than 700 runs for the Mumbai Indians (MI) in the last edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), but his form for the national team has become a concern. In 17 innings this year, he has amassed just 201 runs, and this could impact the team’s chances in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

In the second T20I against South Africa, he scored five runs off four balls. India were chasing 214, and the skipper had the task of keeping the Men in Blue in the game, but he failed. The 35-year-old was also found wanting in the series opener. Chopra mentioned that SKY must find his form if India want to win the World Cup, set to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February and March.

“You are the captain, and your job is not just to toss and manage the bowlers. It is not about planning. If you are batting in the top order, your job is to score runs,” Chopra said.

“If you average 14 in 17 innings and your strike rate is also not good, then it is a concern. You haven’t scored a fifty and crossed the 25-run mark twice, which is not good,” he added.

However, he has been impressive as a captain. Ever since he got the captain’s armband in 2024, the Men in Blue haven’t lost a series. “There is no doubt over his captaincy, and he will lead India in the World Cup. However, the truth is that he needs to score runs.”

Even opening batter Shubman Gill is finding it hard to get going. With Gill and Suryakumar not among the runs, India will not feel confident heading into a global tournament.

“If you are batting at No.3 and No.4 and the runs are not coming, you won’t be confident when the World Cup starts. Captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill will have to find ways of contributing,” he concluded.