India’s convincing seven-wicket victory in the third T20I against South Africa masked a few lingering concerns, none more prominent than Suryakumar Yadav’s continued struggle for a substantial score. While the result pushed India to a 2-1 series lead, the match once again highlighted the gap between the skipper’s intent and output.
Suryakumar walked in with the chase already under control, the target well within reach and little scoreboard pressure to contend with. Early on, he appeared cautious, taking time to read the pace and bounce on offer. A sharp delivery that climbed unexpectedly forced him into a mistimed shot, serving as a reminder of South Africa’s brief spell of intensity.
Just as he seemed to settle, Suryakumar briefly showed flashes of his trademark freedom. A confident lofted stroke down the ground followed by a strong pull shot suggested he was beginning to find his timing. However, the momentum was short-lived. Attempting a familiar stroke towards the leg side, he mistimed his effort and was caught close to the boundary, ending another promising start prematurely.
In a low-risk chase, the situation presented an ideal opportunity for India’s captain to spend time in the middle and rebuild confidence. Instead, the innings ended before it could evolve into something more meaningful. While India had already seized control of the match through disciplined bowling and a brisk start at the top, the lack of a longer stay for Suryakumar stood out.
With the T20 World Cup approaching, India will take heart from their depth and form across departments. Yet, the team will hope their captain and other experienced batters convert starts into impactful contributions soon. Results have been reassuring, but personal milestones and form remain unfinished business.
