India's T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, finally found his best touch during the second T20I against New Zealand and lit up the stadium with a fluent half-century. Full of confidence and playing without any inhibition, Surya reached his fifty in just 23 balls to remind everyone why he is considered one of the most dangerous batters going around in the shortest format. His innings came at a pretty crucial juncture for India while chasing a massive target of 209 runs.

It was an extra special knock for Surya, as it ended his long dry run in T20Is for the Indian skipper. Surya had gone 463 days without a fifty for India in the format, despite featuring in 21 T20Is in 2025. His last half-century was against Bangladesh in October 2024, and since then, runs had been scarce. In this match, however, he seemed completely in control, hitting six fours and two sixes while anchoring the chase.

Before Suryakumar stole the spotlight, Ishan Kishan had already put India on the front foot with a blazing start. The left-handed opener smashed 76 runs off just 32 balls and reached his fifty in only 21 deliveries. His attacking intent in the powerplay always kept the New Zealand bowlers under pressure and gave India the early momentum required in the steep run chase.

Fans erupt after Suryakumar Yadav ends fifty drought

As soon as Suryakumar Yadav reached his half-century, fans reacted on Twitter with appreciation. Many also hailed his return to form after a long gap, sending positive messages on his innings. Supporters also backed the Indian captain to continue scoring runs and lead the team strongly in the matches ahead. 

THE SKY IS SHINING AGAIN! 🌟🔥

– Suryakumar Yadav brings up his 1st T20I fifty after 24 innings 🏏💥

Form returns at the perfect time — welcome back, Mr. 360! 🫡✨#SuryakumarYadav #SKY #T20I #Comeback #TeamIndia #INDvsNZT20 pic.twitter.com/nDWhzNboj3

— Akaran.A (@Akaran_1) January 23, 2026

"Suryakumar Yadav is a liability"

"When will he score runs? How is he a captain?"

"How does Shubman Gill get dropped but SKY keep his place?"

"All talk no action from SKY"

"Most undeserving player in the Indian squad"

🤫🤫🤫🤫🤫

Time for clown SKY doubters to go… pic.twitter.com/Z4CgfX9LML

— Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) January 23, 2026

FINALLY, A FIFTY FROM SURYAKUMAR YADAV! 🇮🇳👏⌛

After a long time, the skipper is back in his original form! 😎💪#SuryakumarYadav #INDvNZ #T20Is pic.twitter.com/j7DsScRbIl

— Yash (@SANDEEPMH07) January 23, 2026

Can someone check it pigs are flying outside?
Or maybe water isn't wet anymore.
Because Suryakumar Yadav has finally managed to score some runs.
How flat must the pitch be for that to happen. #INDvNZ

— Pravir Singh (@Pravir21) January 23, 2026

Indian Cricket Fans welcoming Surya Kumar Yadav's form- #INDvsNZ pic.twitter.com/7LSGMV9YSK

— Rohan (@247_BakaitiR) January 23, 2026

🚨SURYAKUMAR YADAV COMEBACK 🚨

- Team India 10-2 after 2 early wickets.

- Pressure Start Building

- Surya arrived and changed the momentum instantly.

- Smashed 50 In 22 Balls With Proper Cricketing Shots

JUST NEED THIS VERSION OF SURYA CONSISTENTLY 🫡🫡🫡 pic.twitter.com/weY3zkb954

— JACK (@RutuXJack31) January 23, 2026

Surya Kumar Yadav At Non Stiking End #INDvsNZ || Ishan Kishan 👀 pic.twitter.com/iInHKzfuXo

— Prof cheems ॐ (@Prof_Cheems) January 23, 2026

🚨 EXCELLENT KNOCK FROM CAPTAIN SURYAKUMAR YADAV 🚨

Captain Suryakumar Yadav after 24 innings smash fifty in 23 balls under pressure. he smashed 82 runs not out in 37 balls including 4 sixes and 9 fours.

Captain Suryakumar Yadav is back 💪 🔥 pic.twitter.com/amp4pY2mur

— Cricket Central (@CricketCentrl) January 23, 2026

SURYAKUMAR YADAV 🔥
Wonderful 50.
360° shots,
unreal confidence.
SKY doing SKY things 💫 pic.twitter.com/rNJ9GheGBN

— Cricket lovers (@AVINASHKUM17640) January 23, 2026

Meanwhile, India won the second T20I against New Zealand by 7 wickets and took a 2–0 lead in the series. Chasing 209 runs in Raipur on Friday (January 23), Suryakumar Yadav played a match-winning knock of 82* off 37 balls. Ishan Kishan scored 76 off 32 balls, while Shivam Dube added a quick 36 off 18 balls to help India seal the win comfortably.