Explosive batter and India’s T20I skipper, Suryakumar Yadav, has gracefully accepted his exclusion from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 squad, citing his inconsistent performances in the ODI format as the key reason. While the middle-order batter has been a dominant force in T20 cricket, his inability to replicate that success in the 50-over format has left him out of contention for India’s Champions Trophy campaign.
As the leader of the Indian side for the five-match T20I series against England, starting Wednesday, Suryakumar—fondly referred to as SKY—hopes to focus on what lies ahead rather than dwelling on the past.
“Why Would It Hurt?”: SKY on His Exclusion
When asked about his omission from the prestigious Champions Trophy squad, Suryakumar exhibited a mature outlook. He admitted that while his exclusion does not hurt him personally, what pains him more is his underwhelming performance in ODIs.
“Why would it hurt? If I do well, I would have been in the Champions Trophy. If I don’t do well, it’s important to accept that,” SKY remarked during a pre-match press conference.
In his 37 ODI appearances, Suryakumar has scored 773 runs at an average of 25.76, far below the standards he has set in the T20 format. Recognizing his struggles, SKY added, “It hurts to think that I have not done well. If I had performed, I would have been in the squad. But those who are selected deserve it, and I am happy for them.”
The middle-order maestro also praised the squad chosen for the Champions Trophy, describing it as a well-rounded group of performers who have excelled in domestic cricket and international ODIs.
Focus on the Future: Leading India in T20Is
Despite the disappointment of missing the ICC event, Suryakumar is fully focused on leading India in the T20 series against Jos Buttler’s England. Known for his innovative stroke play and fearless approach, SKY remains one of the most dangerous batters in the shortest format. His leadership will be crucial for a young Indian squad gearing up to face one of the strongest T20 teams in the world.
Bumrah-Shami Duo: Lethal If Fully Fit
Suryakumar also shared his thoughts on India’s pace attack, highlighting the lethal partnership of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami. The duo was instrumental in India’s success during the 2023 ODI World Cup, and SKY believes they will play a crucial role in the Champions Trophy, provided they remain fit.
“They’re seasoned campaigners, and representing India always brings a special emotion and added responsibility,” Suryakumar shared. “There’s nothing quite like it. Watching them bowl together again, just like they did in the 2023 ODI World Cup, will be an absolute treat!”
However, Bumrah’s fitness remains a concern as he continues to recover from back spasms that have sidelined him from the T20I series. Despite the challenges, SKY is optimistic about India’s bowling depth and their prospects in upcoming tournaments.
What Lies Ahead for Suryakumar Yadav?
For SKY, the England T20I series is not just another bilateral competition; it’s an opportunity to showcase his captaincy skills and reaffirm his credentials as a world-class batter. His ability to inspire a relatively young Indian squad will be under the spotlight as India looks to rebuild momentum in white-ball cricket.
As Suryakumar rightly said, “It’s important to accept when you haven’t done well and move forward.” With his eyes set on redemption, the T20I skipper is ready to lead by example and help India continue their dominance in the shortest format of the game.
What do you think about Suryakumar Yadav’s response to his Champions Trophy exclusion? Will he lead India to a series win against England? Let us know in the comments!
