'Even Kohli Had a Bad Patch': Mohammad Kaif Backs Suryakumar Yadav Amid Captaincy Uncertainty

Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has urged selectors to reconsider the reported removal of Suryakumar Yadav as T20I captain, citing the need to support proven match-winners during slumps.

The Indian cricket fraternity is currently divided over the future of Suryakumar Yadav, with reports indicating that the national management is prepared to move on from the T20 World Cup-winning captain. Amidst swirling speculation regarding his potential axing from both the leadership role and the playing eleven, former India batter Mohammad Kaif has stepped forward to defend the Mumbai Indians star. Kaif argues that discarding a player of Yadav’s caliber without giving him a fair opportunity to regain his rhythm is a premature move that sets an unsettling precedent for future skippers.

Parity with the best

Kaif, speaking on his YouTube channel, emphasized that Suryakumar is not a novice, but a proven performer who has consistently delivered in the shortest format. Drawing a direct parallel to the legendary Virat Kohli, Kaif reminded critics that even the most celebrated batters go through extended lean phases. "Even Kohli was out of form for two years, but there was a belief that once he got the touch, he would score again," Kaif stated. He maintains that Suryakumar is on par with Kohli in T20s, noting that while the latter has a superior record in global tournaments, Yadav’s overall career output remains elite.

The debate has intensified due to the stark contrast between Suryakumar’s recent international struggles and his domestic success, including a prolific 700-run campaign in IPL 2025. While critics point to his indifferent form in the World Cup and recent bilateral series as reasons to transition to younger blood, Kaif believes this approach ignores the "reputation and match-winning performances" that a player like Suryakumar has earned over years of service.

The burden of timing

Beyond the individual form of the player, Kaif expressed deep concern over the optics and timing of the decision. He cautioned that stripping a captain of his duties so soon after a World Cup triumph creates a climate of instability. "The one who becomes captain now will have different pressure; if this has happened to Surya after winning, what can happen to me?" Kaif argued. He suggested that the management should have granted the skipper at least one more series to find his footing, providing a formal exit path only if performance did not improve.

As the team prepares for future assignments, including the upcoming series against Afghanistan, the search for a new leader has already begun in the rumor mills. Kaif identified Shreyas Iyer as the frontrunner for the role, citing his familiarity with head coach Gautam Gambhir’s tactical approach and his proven success in leading teams to IPL finals. With the 2026 T20 World Cup on the horizon, the pressure on the selectors to balance long-term planning with the fair treatment of established stalwarts continues to be a central talking point in Indian cricket.