As India prepares to launch its T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, captain Suryakumar Yadav has dismissed any debate surrounding his batting position, asserting that flexibility and adaptability will be key to the team's success. The defending champions are set to begin their title defense on home soil, co-hosting the tournament with Sri Lanka, and will kick off their campaign at Mumbai's iconic Wankhede Stadium on February 7.
Yadav, who has been a vital part of the Indian T20I setup, emphasized that he is comfortable batting at both No. 3 and No. 4, and is willing to adjust his position based on the needs of the team. "I have batted at both positions for India. My stats at No. 4 are slightly better although they are good at No. 3 also. But then we are flexible with that," said Suryakumar ahead of the T20I series against New Zealand. He further elaborated that the team would assess the match situation and deploy the appropriate strategy, indicating that a right-hander might be sent in if the situation demands, otherwise, players like Tilak Varma, who has been performing well at No. 3, could retain their position.
This adaptability is a cornerstone of Yadav's leadership philosophy, which has seen him achieve considerable success since taking over as the full-time T20I captain in July 2024. Under his leadership, India has secured dominant series victories against Australia, South Africa, England, Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Most notably, Yadav led India to their 9th Asia Cup title in 2025, maintaining an unbeaten streak throughout the tournament. His captaincy record stands at an impressive 31 wins out of 43 matches, with a win percentage of 74.41%.
Yadav's emphasis on flexibility also extends to his own batting approach. Despite a recent lean patch, the 35-year-old has clarified that he would not alter his batting approach. "I don't want to change my identity. What has given me success in the past 3-4 years, I would like to bat the same way," Suryakumar stated, while also remaining open to reassessment if the results do not follow. He believes in maintaining the attacking brand of cricket that has brought him success, while also being prepared to adapt and evolve as needed.
India's batting lineup boasts immense talent, with the likes of Ishan Kishan and Abhishek Sharma making significant contributions at the top of the order. Kishan recently scored a century against New Zealand, further solidifying his position as a key player. The return of Tilak Varma adds stability to the middle order, while Sanju Samson and Rinku Singh are competing for a spot in the playing XI. The all-round depth of the squad is equally impressive, with Axar Patel, Shivam Dube, and Hardik Pandya providing versatility with both bat and ball. The spin department is led by Varun Chakravarthy and Kuldeep Yadav, who will be crucial in exploiting the subcontinent conditions.
With a strong squad and a clear vision, Suryakumar Yadav is confident that India can successfully defend their T20 World Cup title on home soil. The team is placed in Group A, alongside Pakistan, Namibia, the Netherlands, and the USA. As the team embarks on their T20 World Cup campaign, all eyes will be on Suryakumar Yadav as he aims to lead India to another memorable triumph. His leadership and India's head coach Gautam Gambhir's philosophy of prioritizing collective success over individual glory will be crucial for the team's chances.