"Does not want to move ahead with any fixed plan" - Former batter's massive claim on Suryakumar Yadav after AUS vs IND 2025 4th T20I

Former batter Mohammad Kaif reflected on Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy after the fourth T20I between Australia and India. The Men in Blue beat the hosts by 48 runs to take a 2-1 lead in the series with one game remaining.

Kaif reckoned that Suryakumar Yadav did not want to go ahead with a fixed plan. He explained how the skipper looked to utilise players and make plans according to the situation of the game.

"I see Suryakumar as captain does not want to move ahead with any fixed plan. His plan is that if a right-hander is on strike, he brings Axar Patel; if not, he chooses which bowler can put pressure on the situation. They have everyone on loop. On a turning track, Arshdeep Singh might bowl two overs, spinners might bowl more. Surya said in an interview that he uses bowlers based on the situation and the pitch conditions to get the job done," he said on his YouTube channel.

Reflecting on the move to promote Shivam Dube at number three in the fourth T20I, Kaif stated that the thinking was the same with the batting order as well. Dube was sent up to take on the Australian spinners. He made 22 runs off 18 balls with a four and a six.

"The batting plan is the same. Why Dube at number three? Because no wicket fell in the first six overs. They had 49 runs without losing a wicket. In the seventh over, Abhishek Sharma got out. When there were four overs left for Zampa and Maxwell might bowl, the spinners started bowling more overs. It was a 'why not' moment to send Dube in for game control. So, they sent Dube because he hits big shots and can handle spinners well. He was given freedom to play his shots," Kaif added.

India posted a modest total of 167/8 after batting first. They then successfully defended the target and bowled Australia out for just 119. The final match of the series will be played in Brisbane on Saturday, November 8.

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Mohammad Kaif praises Suryakumar Yadav's captaincy in fourth T20I

Mohammad Kaif also praised Suryakumar Yadav for his captaincy in the fourth T20I. He lauded the timely bowling changes, Suryakumar Yadav's involvement on the field as skipper, and the use of Shivam Dube with the ball in an important match.

"Surya faced a big test as captain, which he passed. He knew that if they lost this match, they would not win the series. I saw him talking a lot. Shivam Dube was scolded severely on the ground when he was hit for a six off a short ball, he was told to bowl with focus. He looked desperate, and a captain must show that desperation because Dube was not bowling continuously; they are building him as an all-rounder. Very good captaincy and proper use of Dube in today's match," he said.

Kaif reckoned that the wickets picked by Dube and Axar Patel at the top were the turning points in the game. The duo together accounted for the big scalps of Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Short, Josh Inglis, and Tim David.

"Where Axar Patel and Shivam Dube took four wickets together in the beginning, two wickets each, the match turned there. That’s why I praise Suryakumar for his bowling changes, bringing Axar Patel at the right time and using Dube properly."

Dube returned figures of 2/20 from his two overs, while Axar bowled a brilliant spell, returning figures of 2/20 from four overs. Suryakumar Yadav and his men will aim to carry the momentum forward and seal the series in Brisbane.

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Edited by Rishab Vm