Suryakumar Yadav feels this Indian cricketer has achievements that are still underrated

Cricket is much more than being simply a game of wins or losses; it’s a tremendous competitive sport in which a lot more matters than just the wickets column or the runs accumulated. A lot more than the margin of victories and wickets lost at crucial intervals. What matters perhaps just as much is the level of captaincy and the strength of team leadership. And in that regard a name has emerged on the horizon that according to Irfan Pathan deserves way more respect than perhaps given.

So what is the crux of this matter and what did Pathan, the famous all rounder have to say in the context of a particular player?

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes that Suryakumar Yadav’s achievements as India’s T20I captain have not received the recognition

they truly deserve, despite the numbers clearly reflecting his impact.

Pathan pointed out that captaining at home often comes with intense scrutiny and external pressure, but Suryakumar has handled it with remarkable calm. He noted that Suryakumar’s relaxed demeanour, clear communication, and ability to connect with his players highlight his strength as a leader, adding that his record as captain is still underappreciated.

Statistically, Suryakumar’s captaincy stands out. He has led India in 43 T20Is, suffering only seven defeats, which gives him an outstanding win percentage of 74.41. His leadership journey began during the home T20I series against Australia in late 2023, before he was named full-time captain following Rohit Sharma’s retirement from T20Is after the 2024 World Cup.

Since taking permanent charge, India have lost just five matches, clinched seven consecutive bilateral series, and lifted the Asia Cup title.

With the second-highest win percentage among Indian T20I captains, Suryakumar Yadav’s calm leadership and consistent success make a strong case for far greater appreciation.