Sunil Gavaskar noted that Suryakumar Yadav likely felt he had sufficient batting practice during India’s match against Pakistan, where he remained unbeaten on 47.
Gavaskar Backs Suryakumar’s Strategic Decision Against Oman
Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar offered his candid opinion on Suryakumar Yadav’s choice to not bat in India’s dead-rubber group-stage match against Oman in the Asia Cup 2025. Gavaskar praised the skipper’s innovative mindset, highlighting past instances where Surya’s unconventional approach as captain had paid off. Against Oman, the captain remained on the sidelines, giving other batters valuable match practice even as India lost eight wickets in Dubai.
India’s batting fell short of their usual standards, finishing at 188/9 in 20 overs. Sanju Samson top-scored with 56 off 45 balls, while Abhishek Sharma (38), Axar Patel (26), and Tilak Varma (29) made notable contributions.
Gavaskar noted that Surya had already received enough batting practice against Pakistan, where he remained unbeaten on 47. “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, maybe he does not need batting practice. He may have thought 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,” Gavaskar explained on Sony Sports.
“Suryakumar Yadav is an innovative thinker”
Batting legend Sunil Gavaskar further praised Suryakumar Yadav’s unorthodox leadership style, recalling how the skipper’s gutsy decisions turned matches in India’s favour, such as when he bowled himself and Rinku Singh in the death overs against Sri Lanka last year. Gavaskar suggested the same innovative mindset influenced Surya’s decision not to bat against Oman.
India now head back to Dubai for their Super Four showdown, where they will face arch-rivals Pakistan in a highly anticipated clash.
