Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan has opined that Suryakumar Yadav is playing a Virat Kohli-type role amid the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026. Barring scoring a match-winning knock of 84 runs off just 49 balls against the USA, SKY has played with a sedate approach.

SKY scored 34 runs off 28 balls against the Netherlands, whereas he scored 32 off 29 balls against Pakistan. The Indian skipper has scored 162 runs in four matches of the T20I showpiece at an impressive average of 54 and a strike rate of 136.13.

Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube Channel, “Suryakumar Yadav has played 119 balls. He averages 54, and his strike rate is 136. He often plays with a strike rate of over 150, but he is playing a different role here. Especially that knock against the USA, it was tremendous. He is playing a Virat Kohli-type role.”

The 2007 T20 World Cup final hero wondered if SKY could come out to bat at one drop against South Africa in the Super 8 stage.

“Can Suryakumar Yadav come at No. 3? India need to break the monotony of left-handed batters at the top against off-spinners. Even if the off-spinner is not bowling, if there are back-to-back left-handers, it becomes easy for the opposition to cut that angle.”

Pathan showered praise on Ishan Kishan for his impressive display in the ongoing World Cup. Kishan has scored 176 runs in four matches of the tournament at an average of 44 and a blistering strike rate of 202.30.

Pathan concluded, “The way he batted against Pakistan has increased his respect in everyone’s eyes. I actually started liking him a lot more as well because of the way he played and managed his technical flaws, which are still there. He does struggle against spin, but managed it very well.”

India will take on South Africa in their opening game of the Super 8 stage at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad, on Sunday.