Top 5 expert opinions on Suryakumar Yadav batting at No.11 in IND vs OMA Asia Cup 2025

India’s group stage encounter against Oman in the 2025 Asia Cup was expected to focus on rotation and giving opportunities, as Suryakumar Yadav’s side had already secured a spot in the Super 4 stage. Yet, the team management and the skipper surprised everyone with a bold move: Suryakumar decided to bat at No.11, letting others gain valuable time at the crease.

Following this strategy, Sanju Samson, who hadn’t faced a single delivery in the tournament so far, came in at No.3, while all-rounder Hardik Pandya was promoted to No.4. The surprises continued as Suryakumar skipped his usual middle-order position, allowing Shivam Dube, Axar Patel, and Tilak Varma to bat ahead of him, giving them critical match practice.

Even as India lost their recognised batters, Suryakumar remained at the end, letting the tailenders face the pressure. He was the only player who did not bat, as India concluded their innings at 188-8, highlighting the skipper’s selfless approach to nurturing the team.

See Also: ‘Let the Asia Cup go to hell….’- PCB insider reveals discussions during Pakistan’s Asia Cup pullout threat

Expert Opinions on Suryakumar Yadav’s Decision to Bat at No.11 Against Oman:

With that in mind, here are the top five expert opinions on Suryakumar Yadav’s decision to bat at No.11 during India’s Asia Cup 2025 clash against Oman. Analysts praised the skipper’s selfless approach, highlighting how the move provided valuable game time for other players while showcasing his team-first mindset.

1. Sunil Gavaskar

The iconic Indian batter praised Suryakumar Yadav for his “innovative” approach, especially his decision to let lower-order batters play ahead of him in the death overs. The expert noted that giving these players crucial match exposure could benefit the team in upcoming games and strengthen India’s depth in high-pressure situations.

He said, “ If he had batted for even one over, he could have hit a few fours and sixes and that would have been good for him. But the way he batted against Pakistan, may be does not need batting practice. He may have thought that Kuldeep Yadav's batting could come in handy if India lose quick wickets in one of the matches. Perhaps that's why he may have sent Kuldeep in to bat.”

He further said, “ He is very unorthodox thinker. We saw in Sri Lanka that he himself bowled and also gave Rinku Singh the ball. He turned the game, which seemed to have slipped away, on its head and won India the match. He is an innovative thinker. May be that's why he did not bat and sent in Kuldeep and Arshdeep Singh.”

2. Rohan Gavaskar

A former Indian cricketer criticised Suryakumar Yadav’s move, calling it unnecessary. He suggested that a bench player could have used the opportunity instead, and argued that the skipper, along with Jasprit Bumrah and Varun Chakaravarthy, could have rested, rather than holding back while others batted, making the decision less impactful.

He said, “ What doesn’t register with me is, if Suryakumar Yadav isn’t going to bat clearly because he’s sent Arshdeep, Harshit, and Kuldeep all ahead of him, then he might as well take a rest. Give Rinku a go. You’re not going to bat, you’re not going to contribute with the ball.”

He further said, “ If that’s the whole thought process, then let Rinku have a game because it’s clear that you don’t want to bat. If you’re coming behind Arshdeep, Harshit, and Kuldeep, then take a rest, take a break, and that’s absolutely fine.”

3. Wasim Jaffer

The ex-India batter suggested that if Suryakumar Yadav planned not to bat, a bench player should have been given the chance instead, similar to Arshdeep Singh and Harshit Rana. This approach would have allowed the team to gain valuable game time while keeping the skipper rested, ensuring everyone had an opportunity to contribute.

He said, “ We also thought that if Surya wasn’t going to bat then he should have given an opportunity to either Jitesh or maybe Rinku Singh. But yeah, I mean, when these kinds of games come, the intensity drops and that is completely fine as long as you get a win. I mean if you lose a game like this, then obviously, it’s a shocking thing but they got the win, they’ll be happy. More than happy with that.”

4.  Irfan Pathan

The former India all-rounder appreciated Suryakumar Yadav’s strategy of promoting Sanju Samson and Hardik Pandya, who needed more time at the crease. However, he questioned the skipper’s decision to bat last, wondering why Yadav stepped in only after all other recognised batters had been dismissed, as it seemed unnecessary in that situation.

He asked, “ From one perspective, giving other batters opportunity and game time is absolutely right, but to not bat even after Kuldeep Yadav?”

5. K Srikkanth

The former World Cup champion pointed out that India managed to score a strong total even without Suryakumar Yadav contributing with the bat. Despite a mid-innings collapse after building a solid foundation, timely contributions from other players helped the team post a competitive score, underlining their depth and resilience in the batting lineup.

He said, “ Suryakumar Yadav didn't even bat, Tilak Varma came down the order and with seemingly no one scoring much, we made 188 easily. They would have scored 225 or 250 otherwise. India has at least 16 players that can play in the 11. Even someone like Shreyas Iyer isn't able to breakthrough.”