R Ashwin, a former Indian cricketer, has spoken out in support of struggling Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final between India and Pakistan in Dubai. Suryakumar, who has a lifetime T20I average of over 38, has struggled to score runs recently.
Ashwin believes Suryakumar Yadav current slump is due to his aggressive style of play more than a lack of form.
Suryakumar has scored only 71 runs in five innings of the UAE continental competition, including an undefeated 47 against Pakistan in the group stage. He is currently averaging 23.66 and has yet to play a major innings since becoming India’s captain.
The former all-rounder underlined that Suryakumar has taken a high-risk strategy since becoming captain, pointing out that strike rates are frequently more crucial than averages in the T20 format. Ashwin also stated that the Indian captain is following Rohit Sharma’s batting philosophy, which is known for committing completely to an aggressive attitude at the crease.
“Regarding Suryakumar, people say his average dropped after captaincy. But with that, a new brand of cricket started. I don’t want him to be averaging 40. Always in T20 cricket we sink thinking about this average. Surya as a captain is playing a high-risk game which is extremely amazing. Rohit showed this, putting no price on his wicket, always committing to aggression. Surya’s following this, coming in at different slots, not always at three,” said Ashwin on his YouTube Channel.
“If Surya averages 25 but strikes at 170, I’m much happier with that than him doing 40 at a lower strike rate. Don’t get after him for this, don’t put pressure. T20 cricket needs impact, not average,” he added.
Batting struggles aside, Suryakumar has led Team India to six consecutive victories, guiding them to qualify for the 2025 Asia Cup as the only unbeaten side in the tournament. The Men in Blue will now face arch-rivals Pakistan in the final at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, September 28.
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