Suryakumar Yadav Criticized for Not Batting vs Oman
During India’s final Asia Cup 2025 league match against Oman in Abu Dhabi, captain Suryakumar Yadav surprised many by not taking the crease. With India already assured of a Super 4 spot, he placed himself last in the batting order, ending the innings without facing a ball.
India’s total reached 188 for eight, with the closing stand shared by Kuldeep Yadav and Harshit Rana. The call immediately triggered debates, especially since India’s win came by only 12 runs.
Sunil Gavaskar Praises the Tactics
Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar defended the unusual move, calling it a calculated and forward-thinking choice.
“If he had batted for even one over, he could have hit a few fours and sixes and that would have been good for him. But the way he batted against Pakistan, may be does not need batting practice. He may have thought that Kuldeep Yadav’s batting could come in handy if India lose quick wickets in one of the matches. Perhaps that’s why he may have sent Kuldeep in to bat,” Sunil Gavaskar said in a chat with former India pacer Irfan Pathan on Sony Sports.
He further highlighted Suryakumar’s unconventional style of leadership:
“He is a very unorthodox thinker. We saw in Sri Lanka that he himself bowled and also gave Rinku Singh the ball. He turned the game, which seemed to have slipped away, on its head and won India the match. He is an innovative thinker. May be that’s why he did not bat and sent in Kuldeep Yadav and Arshdeep Singh,” the 76-year-old added.
Rohan Gavaskar Not Convinced
On the other hand, Rohan Gavaskar felt the skipper missed a chance to give valuable exposure to Rinku Singh.
“What doesn’t register with me is, if Suryakumar Yadav isn’t going to bat clearly because he’s sent Arshdeep, Harshit Rana, and Kuldeep all ahead of him, then he might as well take a rest,” Rohan told Cricbuzz.
“Give Rinku a go. You’re not going to bat; you’re not going to contribute with the ball. If that’s the whole thought process, then let Rinku have a game.”
Final Word
The decision of Suryakumar Yadav in Asia Cup 2025 has divided experts and fans alike. Supporters view it as an innovative way to test the lower order, while critics argue it denied batting practice to players like Rinku Singh. As India heads into the Super 4 stage, his captaincy choices remain under close scrutiny.
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