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Suryakumar Yadav\u2019s struggle with the bat continues. The out-of-form batter may have become a burden for the Mumbai Indians (MI) as well in IPL 2026. Yadav, who was in stunning form in the previous Indian Premier League<\/strong><\/a> season, gradually lost his flair since the last quarter of 2025.<\/p>\n But why has the prolific batter been struggling with his batting for a long period? Former Team India opener and a Mumbai cricket legend, Wasim Jaffer, points out the main issue with \u2018SKY\u2019s batting.<\/p>\n Last night, at the Wankhede Stadium<\/strong><\/a>, when the Mumbai Indians were struggling against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Suryakumar Yadav got a perfect stage to show his vintage form. His partnership with Tilak Varma was crucial, but it was not enough to compete against the thriving CSK bowlers.<\/p>\n As the team had lost multiple wickets early in the innings, and the target was well over 200, Yadav started in a watchful manner. He dismissed for 36 runs off 30, smashing 5 boundaries, with a strike rate of 120.<\/p>\n Also Read: RCB vs GT Dream11 Prediction Today Match, Dream11 Team Today, Fantasy Cricket Tips, Playing XI, Pitch Report, Injury Update- IPL 2026, Match 34<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Last season, when he made a total of 717 runs, his average strike rate was 167.92, with a batting average of 65.18. This season, the batter\u2019s stats have dropped significantly. In 7 IPL 2026 games, he has scored 157, including a half-century, supported by a strike rate of 142.73.<\/p>\n Wasim Jaffer<\/strong><\/a> pointed out that the opposing bowlers are now well aware of the 35-year-old\u2019s batting style. In the recent past, on most of the occasions, Yadav lost his wicket in almost a similar fashion.<\/p>\n The batter, in his prime, used to play shots over the keeper\u2019s head or much on the square of the wickets. Whenever he got the opportunity to open the arms, he never hesitated to express himself through the innovative strokes. Nowadays, bowlers are barely offering any room for the batter. For this reason, Suryakumar Yadav was barred from playing his favorite shots.<\/p>\n To overcome the situation, Jaffer prescribes that Suryakumar Yadav<\/strong><\/a> change his batting style; instead of playing across the surface, the former opener suggests that Suryakumar Yadav play straighter.<\/p>\n \u201cSKY is getting trapped in similar fashion again and again. Teams set field for that restricting his leg side and behind the wicket shots. He needs plan B. Maybe go straighter or hit over covers. Don\u2019t be predictable. Too good a player to get caught in the same trap,\u201d Jaffer wrote on \u2018X\u2019 post.<\/p>\n SKY is getting trapped in similar fashion again and again. Teams set field for that restricting his leg side and behind the wicket shots. He needs plan B. Maybe go straighter or hit over covers. Don\u2019t be predictable. Too good a player to get caught in the same trap. #MI<\/a> #ipl20206<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) April 24, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n It is clear that despite having a bad patch, the franchise has faith in India\u2019s T20I captain. When the regular captain of the Mumbai Indians (MI), Hardik Pandya, missed their match against the Delhi Capitals, Yadav was appointed as the stand-in skipper.<\/p>\n But he will have to support the team with his batting as well. As one of the senior players<\/strong><\/a> in the squad, Yadav knows the importance of scoring runs very well. As of now, fans can only pray for a quick comeback of Suryakumar Yadav in the ongoing Indian Premier League.<\/p>\n Read More: Mumbai Indians qualification scenario after loss to CSK in IPL 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nSuyrakuamr Yadav’s poor form with the bat continues<\/h2>\n
Significant downturn in ‘SKY’s batting stats in IPL<\/h2>\n
Wasim Jaffer asks Suryakumar Yadav to keep a plan B<\/h2>\n
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