Irfan Pathan Advises Suryakumar Yadav Amid Sluggish IPL 2026 Form

Irfan Pathan urges Suryakumar Yadav to play straight early in his innings as MI seek revival in IPL 2026 clash against CSK.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has shared crucial advice for Suryakumar Yadav ahead of the high-voltage Indian Premier League 2026 clash between Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on April 23.

Pathan pointed out a recurring issue in Suryakumar’s batting this season, suggesting that the dynamic batter has been too eager to play aggressive shots early in his innings. He advised the MI star to focus on scoring straight down the ground during the initial phase rather than targeting square boundaries.

“The real Suryakumar Yadav, please stand up. If Mumbai want to book a place in the top four, runs need to come from the bat of Suryakumar Yadav. He has been dismissed for a duck this season, that too a golden duck, meaning you are not able to build your innings. I did a piece during commentary that in the first 10 balls, he gets out playing too square of the wicket, both on the legside and on the offside. Score runs straight. Try to score some runs straight for a few balls, and if you do that, you will be unstoppable. Last year, you scored 700 runs with ease at an excellent strike-rate,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

Suryakumar’s Struggles In IPL 2026

Suryakumar has endured a difficult start to the IPL 2026 season, managing just 121 runs from six matches at an average of 20.16. The 35-year-old has registered only one half-century so far, a 51-run knock against the Delhi Capitals, where he also led the side in the absence of Hardik Pandya.

While his strike rate of 151.25 remains respectable, his inability to convert starts into big scores has hurt Mumbai Indians, who are currently struggling in the lower half of the points table.

ALSO READ | MI Coach Explains Suryakumar Yadav Impact Sub Call in IPL 2026

Contrast With Last Season’s Dominance

The dip in form is particularly notable given Suryakumar’s stellar performance in the previous IPL season. The India T20 captain had amassed 717 runs at a staggering strike rate of 167.91 while averaging 65.18, playing a pivotal role in Mumbai Indians’ run to the playoffs.

With both MI and CSK sitting on four points from six matches, the upcoming clash becomes crucial for both sides. A return to form for Suryakumar could be a game-changer for Mumbai as they look to revive their campaign in the second half of the tournament.