Ex-Pakistan batter questions Suryakumar Yadav’s record against Pakistan ahead of Asia Cup 2025

As the countdown begins for the Asia Cup 2025, India’s T20I skipper Suryakumar Yadav finds himself under the microscope after pointed criticism from former Pakistan cricketer Bazid Khan. Speaking on a television panel, Bazid questioned whether Suryakumar has been truly effective against Pakistan, highlighting a weakness that could play into the rival camp’s confidence.

The numbers appear to support his claim. In five T20Is against Pakistan, Yadav has managed just 64 runs at an average of 12.80, with a strike rate of just over 118. His highest score in these contests is only 18, a stark contrast to his otherwise explosive performances against other teams. For Bazid, this underlines that despite his global reputation as a destructive batter, Yadav has yet to crack the Pakistan puzzle.

Bazid went further, pointing out that the absence of stalwarts like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and Ravindra Jadeja makes India’s batting unit less intimidating in high-pressure clashes. According to him, Kohli and Rohit brought an unmatched intensity to India–Pakistan encounters, while Jadeja’s all-round skills often provided balance in crunch moments. Their retirements, he suggested, leave Suryakumar with the added burden of proving he can step up in the biggest rivalry in world cricket.

"Suryakumar scores runs against almost everyone, but somehow, against Pakistan, he hasn’t been effective. Whether it is the pace attack or some other reason, it remains an issue,” said Bazid Khan on the ‘Game On Hai’ show.

Yet, it isn’t all criticism. Even as doubts linger over his record against Pakistan, Yadav remains one of the most dangerous T20 batters on the planet. His 360-degree stroke play and fearless approach have made him a nightmare for bowlers in leagues and bilateral series. His recent IPL campaign with Mumbai Indians only reinforced his reputation, as he finished among the top run-scorers.

The stage is now set for September 14 in Dubai, when India and Pakistan renew their rivalry in the Asia Cup. For Suryakumar, it is more than just another high-voltage fixture, it is a chance to silence critics, erase a poor statistical record, and show that he can dominate even against the opposition that has so far kept him quiet.