Suryakumar Yadav speaks about his poor form, before the 5-match T20I series vs NZ

Suryakumar Yadav speaks to the press conference, before the 5-match T20I series vs NZ

After a disappointing series defeat in the One-Day Internationals, the men in blue are all set to take on the Black Caps in a five-match T20I series. Captain Suryakumar Yadav has not been at his best for over 18 months now but the flamboyant batter at the press conference was direct and mentioned that he is not concerned about his form.

The Indian skipper who has been dominating the T20 format for over half-a-decade had a dry run last year. Only 218 runs at an average of 13.62 and a strike-rate of 123.16 - the skipper has been under the scanner for sometime now. Yadav, however, said that he has been batting well in the nets and is not looking to change his technique.

"Every game we play in a series is crucial. We try to get something out of it. I have been batting really well at the nets and also talking about the runs; it will definitely come, but at the same time, I can`t do things differently. I don`t want to change my identity. What has given me success in the past 3-4 years, I would like to bat the same way," he said.

Suryakumar Yadav's batting form over the years

2021 - Runs: 244, Avg: 34.85, S/R: 155.41, 50s/100s: 3/0

2022 -  Runs: 1164, Avg: 46.56, S/R: 187.43, 50s/100s: 9/2

2023 -  Runs: 733, Avg: 48.86, S/R: 155.95, 50s/100s: 2/5

2024 -  Runs: 429, Avg: 26.81, S/R: 151.91, 50s/100s: 4/0

2025 - Runs: 218, Avg: 13.62, S/R: 123.16, 50s/100s: 0/0

The skipper also mentioned that he's ready to put in the hard yards if the drought in form continues.

"If performance comes, I will take it. If it doesn`t come, then I will go back to the drawing board, practice again, work hard and come back stronger," said Suryakumar.

The NZ series super crucial for SKY

Yadav has been one of the finest batters in the world in the T20 format and he would look to regain his form before the T20 Cricket World Cup begins.

"Had I been playing an individual sport like TT or tennis, I would have worried about my form. But this is a team sport, and my first responsibility is to ensure that my team does well." "If the team wins, I am happy. If I can contribute to the team's success, then that is fine; if not, it doesn't matter, as these things happen. I have to look out for the 14 other players as well, and there is no place for chasing personal milestones," Suryakumar concluded.

India Squad for the 5-match T20I series against New Zealand

Suryakumar Yadav (captain), Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson (WK), Shreyas Iyer (first three T20Is), Hardik Pandya, Shivam Dube, Axar Patel (vice captain), Rinku Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Arshdeep Singh, Kuldeep Yadav, Varun Chakaravarthy, Ishan Kishan (wicketkeeper), Ravi Bishnoi.

The first T20I match between Team India (Get Your Jersey) and New Zealand is scheduled to be played today at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur.