Form slumps happen. Even to the best. But when you’re the reigning No.1 T20I batter in the world, every quiet innings is dissected under a microscope. That’s the reality Suryakumar Yadav has faced throughout 2025—a year that saw his explosive magic replaced by frustratingly brief cameos.
Yet, as India gears up for the high-stakes T20 World Cup 2026, one legendary voice is cutting through the noise with unwavering belief. Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has not only backed SKY to bounce back but went a step further—calling him “our own AB de Villiers” and labeling him the most dangerous player in the shortest format.
In a candid pre-tournament analysis, Harbhajan doubled down on Yadav’s genius, expressed full confidence in India’s ability to defend their title, and even raised a red flag about a growing gap in Indian cricket: the lack of quality off-spinners. Let’s unpack why this endorsement matters—and what it means for India’s campaign.
Table of Contents
- Harbhajan’s Bold Vote of Confidence
- Why SKY Is India’s ‘ABD’
- Suryakumar Yadav T20 World Cup Form Concerns
- India’s Title Defense and Kohli’s Role
- The Off-Spin Crisis: Harbhajan’s Warning
- Conclusion: Trust the Genius
- Sources
Harbhajan’s Bold Vote of Confidence
Speaking on a leading sports podcast, Harbhajan Singh didn’t mince words: “People are forgetting who Suryakumar Yadav is. He’s not just a player—he’s a phenomenon. When he’s in flow, there’s no one better in the world. I’d say we have our own AB de Villiers in him.”
That’s high praise coming from a World Cup winner who’s seen legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag at their peak. Harbhajan emphasized that temporary dips shouldn’t overshadow Yadav’s track record: a career strike rate of over 170, match-winning knocks in pressure situations, and an uncanny ability to find gaps where none seem to exist.
Why SKY Is India’s ‘ABD’
The comparison to South Africa’s AB de Villiers isn’t just about flair—it’s about impact:
- 360-Degree Strokeplay: Like ABD, SKY can hit anywhere, anytime—even behind square on the off-side, a rarity in modern cricket.
- Game-Accelerating Ability: In the middle overs, when scoring slows, Yadav can shift gears instantly—turning 140 into 180 in 15 balls.
- Mental Fear Factor: Opposing captains change field placements and bowling plans specifically to contain him—a sign of true dominance.
While de Villiers redefined batting in the 2010s, Yadav is doing the same for the T20 era. As ESPNcricinfo notes, “SKY’s innovation is rewriting the geometry of the game.” [INTERNAL_LINK:t20-batting-revolution].
Suryakumar Yadav T20 World Cup Form Concerns
Let’s be fair: 2025 was tough. Across 14 T20Is, Yadav averaged just 22.40, with only one fifty. Critics point to his tendency to fall to the sweep shot or get caught in the deep during power-hits gone wrong.
But context matters. Many of those dismissals came in high-pressure run chases or on sluggish pitches. More importantly, his last three domestic T20 matches saw scores of 68*, 45, and 72—suggesting his timing is returning just in time for the World Cup.
As Harbhajan rightly argues, “You don’t lose that kind of talent overnight. One good knock, and he’ll be back to destroying attacks.”
India’s Title Defense and Kohli’s Role
Harbhajan also expressed strong belief that India can successfully defend their T20 World Cup title. “We have the depth, the experience, and the firepower,” he said, singling out Virat Kohli for special praise.
“Kohli’s hunger hasn’t faded. He’s still the glue in the middle order across all formats. His presence alone lifts the team’s confidence.” With Kohli anchoring and players like Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh providing explosive support, India’s batting looks formidable—if they can stay consistent.
The Off-Spin Crisis: Harbhajan’s Warning
Amid the optimism, Harbhajan sounded a note of caution: “We’re dangerously short of quality off-spinners.” With Ravichandran Ashwin focusing on Tests and Washington Sundar inconsistent, India lacks a reliable second spinner who can control the middle overs in subcontinental conditions.
“In the 2024 World Cup, spin won games. If we don’t solve this, it could cost us in the knockout stages,” he warned. This insight highlights a strategic vulnerability that team management must address before the tournament begins.
Conclusion: Trust the Genius
The Suryakumar Yadav T20 World Cup narrative doesn’t need panic—it needs patience. Legends like Harbhajan Singh understand that greatness isn’t defined by a few bad months, but by the ability to rise when it matters most.
If SKY rediscovers his rhythm, India won’t just have a finisher—they’ll have a match-winner capable of single-handedly dismantling any bowling attack. And in a tournament where one innings can change everything, having your own “ABD” might just be the ultimate advantage.
Sources
- Times of India: ‘We have our own ABD’: SKY gets pat on the back ahead of T20 WC
- ESPNcricinfo Player Stats & Analysis: https://www.espncricinfo.com/
- ICC Official T20I Rankings (January 2026)
- Harbhajan Singh’s interview on Sports Tak Podcast (January 2026)