“I think that is his position” - Irfan Pathan reveals Suryakumar Yadav’s ideal batting position ahead of World Cup

Former Indian all-rounder and commentator Irfan Pathan has stated that the Indian T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav should bat at No.4 in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, scheduled to start on February 7, in India and Sri Lanka.

Suryakumar Yadav, who averaged 13.62 in T20Is in 2025, scored a crucial 32 off 22 balls in Nagpur with four fours and a six in the first T20I against New Zealand after coming out to bat at No.4. 

"No. 4. The way he has dominated in the middle overs for years and years, with his sweeps and ability to play spin really well. So, I think that is his position. He's a bowler killer. If you want to destroy a bowler's confidence, bring him to bowl in front of an in-form Abhishek Sharma. So, that is why he can be an X-factor," Pathan told Star Sports.

On the other hand, Pathan requested the Indian team management to continue backing Sanju Samson, who could score only 10 runs in the first T20I, getting out in the powerplay off Kyle Jamieson.

"It should be Sanju Samson. He has hit centuries as an opener, and it also gives you that right-left combination. So, right now, Sanju Samson," he added.

Furthermore, the former all-rounder also reckoned that Shreyas Iyer should’ve been picked at No.3 instead of Ishan Kishan in the XI. Notably, Iyer came in as a replacement for Tilak Varma, who has been ruled out of the first three T20Is.

"I feel it should be Shreyas Iyer at No. 3 because he has shown his capabilities. We've seen how well he performed in the last IPL (604 runs in 17 innings at a strike rate of 175.07)," Pathan stated.

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