Ahead of 2nd T20I, Mohammad Kaif recommends THIS batter to play at no.4 if Abhishek Sharma fails, name is….

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif believes captain Suryakumar Yadav is best suited to bat at No. 4, but he also urged the star batter to step up to No. 3 if a platform presents itself. Since taking over the T20I captaincy after the 2024 World Cup, Suryakumar has frequently shifted between the two spots, with Tilak Varma’s rise influencing the batting order.

Kaif noted that Suryakumar’s form at No. 3 has been more productive than at No. 4 in recent times. In 2025, he batted at No. 3 in 10 of 19 innings, scoring 156 runs at an average of 22.29 and a strike rate of 134.48. At No. 4, however, he managed just 62 runs in nine innings, averaging 6.89 with a strike rate of 101.64. In the opening T20I against New Zealand, he came in at No. 4 while Ishan Kishan took the No. 3 spot.

Kaif emphasized that Suryakumar should take advantage of a strong opening partnership. “His record at No. 4 is better, and I think he suits better there,” Kaif said on Star Sports, “but if the openers fire for 6-7 overs, SKY should come in at No.3. If he gets to face more balls, India will benefit. If a wicket falls early, then you can send in Tilak Varma.”

He added that Suryakumar is just one good innings away from regaining full rhythm ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup. “He’s such a big batter with a brilliant record, and a big-match player. One knock of 50-60 runs could see his form return,” Kaif explained.

SKY’s Team India dominance in T20Is

Under Suryakumar’s full-time captaincy, India have lost only four T20Is and are yet to drop a bilateral series. His strong chemistry and working relationship with head coach Gautam Gambhir have helped shape a balanced, new-age Indian T20I side, well-positioned for a World Cup title defence.

Kaif praised Suryakumar’s leadership and team management: “His camaraderie with teammates is excellent. I remember a match where India had already won, but he was still talking to players, pointing out mistakes and how to improve for the next game. I’ve seen passion from him as a captain, he’s become a proper leader.”

With the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, Kaif believes that a timely big innings could not only boost Suryakumar’s confidence but also give India a tactical edge at the top of the order.

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