Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan has suggested that India should get Suryakumar Yadav to field at No.3 during their clash against Zimbabwe in Chennai. India have their backs against the wall after losing to South Africa in their Super 8 opener in Ahmedabad. Their semi-final chances were dealt another blow when West Indies defeated Zimbabwe on Monday 23 February.
That said, the game in Zimbabwe is one where the defending champions cannot afford to slip up with the batting woes exposed so far in the tournament. Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma’s form was under the scanner Tilak Varma tried to impress at No.3. Tilak has 107 runs from five matches at a strike rate of 118.88.
India’s top three are all left-handers at the moment and have been tipped to rotate. However, Pathan feels that the problem can be solved by placing Suryakumar at No. 3 and Tilak coming after him.
“Maybe Surya should bat at No. 3. To really pick up those three left-handers who were coming one after the other and just change the monotony,” Pathan told broadcasters.
Suryakumar ranked No. 3 for India in T20Is, scoring 864 runs in 32 matches at an average of 32 and a strike rate of 158.53. During this time he scored one hundred and fifty six goals.
BRING AXAR, A CHANCE FOR KULDEEP?
Pathan said that India should bring Axar Patel back into the team given his ability with the bat and ball, which was missing during the loss against the Proteas. While the former all-rounder hinted that he would be tempted to try Kuldeep Yadav and to bring Sanju Samson back to the teamZimbabwe does not expect too much from the hosts in the tie.
“Axar Patel should come in. He’s a guy who can actually mix against left-handed batsmen. So let me be very clear, he’s very good. He’s very experienced. We can use him as a swimmer in the batting as well. So that’s the first thing.”
“Indian team might be thinking if they get Kuldeep Yadav because they had to see the attack they got into as far as the West Indies team is concerned. So they might think against Zimbabwe if they get Kuldeep and give him a chance before the big game against West Indies.”
“Apart from that, yes, they are left-handers. Yes, they will consider Sanju Samson as well, but I don’t want the Indian team to think and tinker too much. I think they should make only one change in terms of playing eleven. Axar should start,” Pathan said.
India will face Zimbabwe on Thursday, February 26 in Chennai.
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Published on:
February 24, 2026
