India’s T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has acknowledged his ODI struggles as the reason for his omission from the Champions Trophy 2025 squad. Speaking ahead of the first T20I against England at Eden Gardens, the 33-year-old candidly admitted that his underwhelming performances in the 50-over format led to his exclusion.
“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,” said Suryakumar, reflecting on his form.
Suryakumar’s last ODI appearance came in the 2023 World Cup final against Australia, where he managed only 18 runs off 28 balls. Since his ODI debut in 2021, he has scored 773 runs in 37 matches, but his form has dipped significantly in recent years, averaging just 21 in 2023.
In contrast, Suryakumar has excelled in T20Is, amassing 2,570 runs in 74 innings at an average of 40 and a staggering strike rate of 167. Despite his ODI struggles, he remains a pivotal figure in India’s T20 setup.
Praise for Champions Trophy Squad
Suryakumar lauded the composition of the Champions Trophy squad, set to compete in Dubai and Pakistan later this year. “The squad is looking really good. Whoever is there, they are all good performers. They have done well in that format for India and domestic cricket, and I am very happy for them,” he said.
Personal Disappointment
While the Mumbaikar accepted his omission, he expressed regret over missed opportunities in ODIs. “It hurts to think that I have not done well. If I had done well, I would have stayed there. Someone who has done really well deserves to be there,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, Suryakumar expressed excitement at the prospect of Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammed Shami bowling in tandem again. The pair were instrumental in India’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, taking a combined 44 wickets.
“They are experienced bowlers, and whenever you play for India, it’s a different feeling. Hopefully, we will see the same performances in the Champions Trophy
