Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has offered clear advice to India's T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav, urging him to concentrate on scoring runs and dismiss any fear of getting out. Yadav has faced a challenging period with his batting form over the last 18 months, leading up to the upcoming T20 World Cup 2026. Ponting's message emphasizes trusting natural ability and playing with freedom, a hallmark of Yadav's past success.^[1][2][3] ### Ponting's Direct Message to Yadav Ponting, a respected figure in world cricket, expressed surprise at Suryakumar Yadav's recent dip in form. Speaking on the ICC Review, he stated that Yadav has been a consistent contributor for India in T20 cricket for a long time but has struggled lately. Ponting's core message to the Indian batter is straightforward: "Think about scoring runs, don't think about getting out."^[1][3][4] He believes Yadav needs to trust and back himself.^[1][2][5] The former Australian skipper highlighted that Yadav has proven to be one of the best T20 players globally.^[1][2][5] Ponting drew a comparison to Australian opener Travis Head, noting that players at their best often appear not to fear getting out.^[1][6][4] He observed that Yadav, in his prime, would take a few balls to settle before unleashing his full array of shots.^[1][6][4] This fearless approach is what Ponting wants Yadav to rediscover.^[7] ### Suryakumar Yadav's Recent Batting Struggles Suryakumar Yadav, once ranked world No. 1 in T20 Internationals, endured a difficult 2025 in the shortest format. He managed only 218 runs across 21 matches, batting in 19 innings, at a modest average of 13.62 and a strike rate of 123.16.^[1][6][3] This performance is a significant concern for India, the defending champions, as the T20 World Cup approaches in February and March 2026.^[1][3][8] Beyond T20Is, Yadav's struggles have been more pronounced in longer formats. He has played 37 One Day Internationals, scoring 773 runs at an average of 25.76.^[9] In his sole Test appearance, he scored only 8 runs.^[9] Yadav himself acknowledged his poor ODI statistics, admitting he had many opportunities but failed to capitalize on them.^[9] He expressed a desire to improve his ODI game, noting that strong performances in that format could have led to more leadership roles.^[9] ### A History of T20 Dominance Despite recent challenges, Suryakumar Yadav has a celebrated history in T20 cricket. He earned the ICC Men's T20I Cricketer of the Year award in 2022 for his remarkable consistency and impact.^[10] He scored his maiden T20I century against England in July 2022 and followed it with another against New Zealand.^[10][11] Yadav also featured in India's victorious ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 campaign, where his spectacular boundary catch in the final helped seal the trophy.^[10] Following Rohit Sharma's retirement from T20Is, Suryakumar was appointed captain of the Indian T20I side.^[10] Under his leadership, India has not lost a single T20I series, securing wins in Sri Lanka and South Africa, and a dominant performance at home against England.^[10] He also guided the team to the Asia Cup 2025 title, which was played in the T20 format.^[10][12] His ability to play a wide range of shots all around the ground has earned him the nickname "Mr. 360."^[10][11] ### The Mental Aspect of Cricket Performance Ponting's advice highlights the crucial role of mental fortitude in cricket. The sport is often considered as much a mental battle as a physical one, demanding players to stay focused and resilient under immense pressure.^[13][14] Mental toughness involves managing emotions, maintaining composure, and having unwavering self-belief, especially after setbacks.^[15][13] Batters, in particular, face constant scrutiny and the need for sustained concentration.^[14] Successful cricketers often employ techniques like visualization and positive self-talk to enhance their mental game.^[16][13][17] Visualization involves mentally rehearsing successful scenarios, which can build confidence and reduce anxiety.^[15][17] Positive self-talk helps maintain a constructive mindset, even when facing difficulties.^[16] These strategies are vital for players to perform consistently under stress.^[16][15] Ricky Ponting's own leadership philosophy, shaped by experiences like the 2005 Ashes defeat, emphasizes identifying and addressing issues promptly.^[18] He believes in tailoring training to individual needs and ensuring players are mentally fresh.^[18] As a captain, Ponting learned to separate his batting from his leadership, focusing purely on scoring runs when at the crease.^[19] This approach mirrors the advice he is now offering to Yadav. ### Opportunity Ahead for Suryakumar The upcoming T20 World Cup 2026 presents a significant opportunity for Suryakumar Yadav to regain his form and confidence. India is scheduled to play a five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which will serve as a crucial chance for Yadav to build momentum before the global tournament.^[6][5] This series will be his final chance to find rhythm ahead of the competition.^[6][5] Ponting also commented on the depth of Indian cricket, expressing surprise at the exclusion of Shubman Gill from the T20 World Cup squad.^[1][4] Gill, who has captained India in ODIs and Tests recently, has faced a dip in white-ball form.^{[1][20][9][12]} Ponting noted that Gill's omission underscores the strong pool of talent available to India, despite his own impressive Test performances.^[1][20] India's decision to appoint Axar Patel as vice-captain for the T20 World Cup was also praised by Ponting for Patel's versatility and consistent contributions.^[20] Ultimately, Ponting's message to Suryakumar Yadav is one of empowerment and belief. By focusing on his natural, aggressive game and shedding the fear of dismissal, Yadav can tap into the form that made him a world-beater. The upcoming matches will be key for the Indian captain to prove his capabilities once again on the international stage.

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