Former Indian cricketer Suresh Raina believes that India will feel the absence of Suryakumar Yadav’s “X-factor” in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Speaking exclusively to Star Sports Press Room, Raina highlighted how the dynamic batter’s unique style and adaptability could have been a game-changer, especially on the varied dimensions of Dubai’s grounds.

Suryakumar Yadav, often referred to as “Mr. 360” for his innovative stroke play in white-ball cricket, was a notable omission from India’s Champions Trophy squad announced on Saturday. Known for his ability to dominate the middle overs, the T20I captain last played an ODI in the ICC Cricket World Cup final 2023, where he managed only 18 runs off 28 balls in a disappointing performance.

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“When the team was announced yesterday, I was surprised. Suryakumar Yadav, who made a lot of noise during the 2022 World Cup, was not included. He can play sweeps, change the game in the middle overs, and chase a run rate of 9. In Dubai, where the ground dimensions vary, his style of play would have been ideal,” Raina said.

Raina emphasized the importance of having a player like Suryakumar in the middle order, especially with India’s top three—Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli—struggling for consistent form. “Without him, more responsibility falls on the top three. The middle order becomes a key focus: will KL Rahul play there? Will Rishabh Pant bat higher? Will there be a left-right combination? If Suryakumar were there, he could have batted anywhere,” Raina added.

Despite his T20I brilliance, Suryakumar has struggled to replicate his success in ODIs. In 37 matches and 35 innings, he scored 773 runs at an average of 25.76 and a strike rate of 105.02, with just four half-centuries. While his aggressive approach made him a standout in T20Is, it often proved risky in ODIs, where stability is crucial. His performance in the 2023 World Cup was underwhelming, save for a 49-run knock against England and a cameo of 22 against South Africa.

In contrast, Suryakumar has been phenomenal in T20Is, amassing 2,570 runs in 78 matches at an average of 40.79 and an extraordinary strike rate of 167.86. His record includes four centuries and 21 fifties, cementing his status as one of the finest T20I players in history.

The India Squad for ICC Champions Trophy:

Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Rishabh Pant, Ravindra Jadeja.

India’s Group Stage Fixtures: