Ravichandran Ashwin came out in support of Indian skipper Suryakumar Yadav amid his lean innings in T20Is. Ashwin said on his YouTube channel after the fourth T20I between India and Australia that while Suryakumar’s short innings may not look impressive on paper, his quick bursts often have an impact that goes beyond the numbers.
Suryakumar Yadav has endured a noticeable dip in form since taking over the T20I captaincy. Once considered one of the most explosive batsmen in the shortest format, he has only managed to score two half-centuries since the 2024 FIFA World Cup T20. Despite his recent struggles, he showed signs of rhythm in the fourth T20I against Australia on Thursday, November 6.
Suryakumar came in at a crucial stage and smashed two sixes off Adam Zampa right after arriving at the crease but was dismissed in the sixteenth over when he attempted another big shot against Xavier Bartlett. Reflecting on the 10-ball cameo, Ashwin appreciated the intent and value of those quick runs in a game situation that required momentum in the middle overs.
“Ten balls for 20 from Suryakumar Yadav was extremely valuable. In T20 cricket, I always think 10 balls for 20 at a pace of 200 is more valuable. Even today, Abhishek and Shubman had a decent partnership at the top, so Surya came and gave that amazing impetus and momentum. I would always think that a 20 is much more valuable than a 20. 125, 120 or 130 in a T20 game, unless of course you chase the total,” Ashwin said on his channel.
AUS vs IND, 4th T20I: Scorecard | Highlighting
“If you’re chasing and the players are going all out, one side has to play at double speed. But today everyone knew that 160 is a good score. The way Shubman went about the innings was the way he had to play and he did. So credit where it’s due, but I’m happy with Surya’s 10-ball-20,” Ashwin added.
India head coach Gautam Gambhir has adopted a high-octane approach with the bat and has repeatedly said that it is okay for players to try to play attacking strokes as long as one of them continues to score high.
On Thursday, Shubman Gill anchored India’s innings with a 46-run knock on a tricky surface at the Carrara Oval. India set a target of 167 runs for Australia and bowled out the hosts for just 119 in reply.
The teams will now travel to Brisbane for the fifth and final T20I series. India are currently 2-1 up and will be aiming for a final knockout blow at the ‘Fortress Gabba’.
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Issued by:
Kingshuk Kusari
Published on:
November 7, 2025
