‘I know what to do’: Suryakumar dismisses form concerns

The spotlight fell firmly on Suryakumar Yadav as Indian cricket made its biggest call ahead of the T20 World Cup. Backed as captain despite a prolonged dip in form, Suryakumar became the centrepiece of the selectors' faith -- a leader trusted to guide India even as his own bat has stayed quiet.

On Saturday, the selectors dropped Test and ODI captain Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup squad following an extended slump, while choosing continuity at the top in the shortest format. 

Suryakumar, a T20 specialist, has scored just 244 runs in his last 22 innings without a single fifty, yet the management remained unwavering.

"We have full faith in our captain to deliver during the World Cup," chief selector Ajit Agarkar said.

Suryakumar himself was candid about his struggles. "My rough patch has gone on for too long," he said. "But I know what to do. I have time to fix it. We will definitely see Surya the batter."

All-rounder Axar Patel was named vice-captain, reinforcing the leadership group ahead of the tournament. The same squad will be led by Suryakumar in a five-match home T20I series against New Zealand from January 21 -- the final competitive run before the World Cup.

The 10th edition of the tournament, co-hosted by Sri Lanka and India, will feature 20 nations. India enter as defending champions after their thrilling victory over South Africa in the 2024 final in Barbados, with Suryakumar Yadav now carrying both expectation and belief into the global stage.