Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has voiced concerns over Suryakumar Yadav’s batting form ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 final against Pakistan on Sunday. The India captain has struggled for runs in the tournament so far, scoring just 71 in five innings, including an unbeaten 47 during the group stage clash against Pakistan. In the Super Four encounter last week, he was dismissed for a duck. Suryakumar entered the tournament on the back of a stellar 717-run season in the IPL earlier this year, but his form in international cricket this year has been disappointing. In 2025, he has managed only 99 runs from 10 innings at a strike rate of 110.
Speaking on Sony Sports, Irfan Pathan highlighted the connection between his batting and captaincy. “If his bat performs, his captaincy will also benefit. Getting out while attempting a sweep is a concern. This has been the pattern throughout the year. He has played one or two innings in international cricket, but runs have been scarce. The IPL was outstanding, but he hasn’t replicated that form in internationals,” Pathan said. He also pointed out that Suryakumar has often lost his wicket while attempting the sweep shot. “He needs to overcome this. We discussed this during commentary in the last match as well. When a player is out of form, it is better to play straight, especially against fast bowlers. Yet today he got out playing a sweep against a spinner. This team will be stronger if he finds his rhythm,” Pathan added. Since taking over as captain, Suryakumar has scored 329 runs in 19 innings across 21 matches at an average of 19.35, with just two fifties. He has crossed the 20-run mark only six times and maintains a strike rate above 145.
