"I think he's missing somewhere" - Suryakumar Yadav reacts to his woeful form after IND vs SA 2025 5th T20I

Team India skipper Suryakumar Yadav opened up on his poor form in T20I cricket after their series win over South Africa. The veteran admitted that the batter in him has gone missing somewhere but promised to comeback strongly, as the team sets its eyes on the T20 World Cup 2026.

The right-handed batter, once the No. 1-ranked player in ICC T20I rankings, averages a woeful 14.20 in the format in 2025. During the fifth T20I against South Africa on Friday, December 19, in Ahmedabad, openers Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma set a strong platform. Suryakumar came out to bat at No. 4 when the score was 97/2 but managed only five runs before Corbin Bosch dismissed him.

Speaking at the post-match presentation, the 35-year-old said, as quoted by ESPNcricinfo:

"Only thing is we couldn't find Surya the batter, I think he's missing somewhere. But he'll come back strong. As a leader, very pleased with how the series went."

Nevertheless, it didn't stop the Men in Blue from coasting to a series victory. Having made 231 in their 20 overs, India restricted the Proteas to 201/8 to win by 30 runs and take the five-match series 3-1. Hardik Pandya was named the Player of the Match for his 25-ball 63-run knock, followed by figures of 3-0-41-1.

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"We were challenged" - Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav celebrates a wicket with Jasprit Bumrah. (Credits: BCCI X)

The right-handed batter added that he was glad with the intent they showed and praised his players for coming back the way they did after South Africa began their run-chase brightly. Suryakumar elaborated:

"Brand of cricket we wanted to play was the same, result is in front of us. This [intent-laden effort] was missing, glad we were able to replicate. Wanted to bowl Bumrah one over in PP, one in middle post-drinks and then in the end. We were challenged, but this game is about how you come back."

As far as T20I cricket goes, Team India will next face New Zealand in a five-game series, beginning January 21 in Nagpur. It will be their last T20Is before the World Cup kicks off on February 7.