New Delhi – As the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 edges closer, cricketing legend Ricky Ponting has publicly backed India’s T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, offering guidance and encouragement despite the batter’s recent struggles with form. Ponting’s comments, delivered ahead of India’s campaign starting February 7, focus on confidence, mindset, and trusting one’s own game under pressure.
Suryakumar’s Struggles in 2025
Suryakumar Yadav, once among the most explosive T20 batters in the world, endured a challenging run through 2025. Across 19 innings, he managed only 218 runs at a strike rate of 123.16, far below his usual attacking standards. Critics, fans, and pundits alike have questioned whether he can rediscover his best form in time for the marquee global tournament.
The downturn has sparked debate about technique, confidence, and leadership burden, given Suryakumar’s dual role as captain and batter. Despite the slump, selectors and team management have reaffirmed his place, backed by his record of consistency earlier in his career and leadership acumen. icc
Ponting’s Message: Focus on Runs, Not Dismissals
Ponting, speaking on The ICC Review, urged Suryakumar not to overthink his recent failures or let fear of dismissal dictate his play. Instead, he advised concentrating on scoring runs and trusting natural instincts at the crease.
“That’s as big a surprise for me, just looking at his recent form. He’s been such a solid and consistent contributor for India in T20 cricket for a long time and just hasn’t been able to find it of late,” Ponting said.
The former Australian captain highlighted Suryakumar’s fearless batting style that made him one of the most respected T20 specialists in world cricket.
“He plays all of his shots and backs himself, and it almost looks like they don’t ever fear getting out,” he noted, drawing a comparison with Australia’s Travis Head.
Ponting reiterated his basic advice:
“Think about scoring runs, don’t think about getting out. Trust yourself, back yourself. You’re proven to be as good as anybody in the world in the T20 format and go and prove it to everybody once again.”
This message is not just tactical but psychological, emphasizing freedom in stroke play, confidence, and returning to an instinctive game that defined Suryakumar’s rise.
Context of the T20 World Cup Campaign
India’s title defence begins at home, with matches scheduled across cities including Mumbai and other Indian venues. The squad, drawn carefully by selectors, blends experience with depth in both batting and bowling.
While Suryakumar leads the team, attention has also turned to the omission of Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup squad. Ponting expressed surprise at Gill’s absence, describing it as a reflection of India’s rich talent pool.
“If you can think that someone as good as Shubman Gill doesn’t get picked in a World Cup squad, then it goes to show how many good players they do have,” Ponting said.
The Indian squad also features versatile players like Axar Patel as vice-captain, whose all-round skills provide balance and flexibility across conditions.
Expert Views on Suryakumar’s Form
Ponting’s endorsement of Suryakumar’s talent aligns with the general view among cricket analysts that a batter’s slump can be temporary if approached with the right mindset. Ponting’s counsel specifically avoids technical criticism, instead focusing on the psychological barriers athletes face when confidence dips.
Former players often remind current stars that international sport is cyclical and that elite performers experience peaks and troughs. Ponting’s message captures that sentiment, suggesting that revisiting one’s core strengths can reinvigorate performance.
Suryakumar’s Career and Leadership
Suryakumar’s emergence as a world-class T20 batter was rapid and remarkable. His unconventional shot selection, excellent hand-eye coordination, and ability to innovate under pressure earned him the top T20 rankings in the world. With captaincy added to his responsibilities, expectations have grown significantly. icc
However, critics argue that leadership duties might have come with added pressure, influencing his natural game. Ponting’s message, therefore, could have both motivational and practical impact: free the mind to allow freedom at the crease.
Team India’s Preparations and Upcoming Fixtures
India will play a series of T20I matches ahead of the World Cup, including a five-match series against New Zealand, intended to fine-tune combinations and regain match rhythm. These games serve as a final platform for players like Suryakumar to settle nerves and build momentum.
Selectors have maintained faith in the squad’s composition, balancing youth with experience, and ensuring that the bowling attack and batting order have multiple options to adapt to tournament pressures.
Public and Fan Reactions
Fans and commentators have expressed mixed reactions on social media and in cricket forums. Many support Suryakumar’s leadership and talent, urging patience and belief in his proven class. Others have questioned order decisions and batting positions, seeking tweaks that might unlock better returns. Independent voices emphasize that form is temporary, but class endures.
Nonetheless, Ponting’s stature and respect in the cricket world have amplified his message, giving it weight beyond typical pundit commentary. His words resonate not only in India but among global cricket followers who recognize Suryakumar’s potential to change match outcomes single-handedly.
Conclusion
As the countdown to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 continues, Ricky Ponting’s message to Suryakumar Yadav stands out as a blend of wisdom, empathy, and strategic insight. It underscores the value of self-belief, mental clarity, and a focus on core strengths, especially for a batsman whose natural game has brought success for India on many occasions.
Whether Suryakumar can translate this high-profile vote of confidence into runs on the field remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that his role as captain and batter will be pivotal to India’s hopes of defending their T20 World Cup title at home and moving deep into the tournament.
