IND vs NZ 2026: Irfan Pathan picks Suryakumar Yadav's ideal batting position for 2026 T20 World Cup

Suryakumar Yadav showed signs of returning to form during the first T20I against New Zealand at the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium in Nagpur on Wednesday, January 21. The Indian skipper, who averaged 13.62 in T20I cricket last year, scored a crucial 32 off 22 balls in the Orange City.

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan suggested that Suryakumar should bat at No. 4 in the upcoming T20 World Cup. The Mumbai batter walked in at the same position during the first T20I after the fall of Ishan Kishan's wicket. Pathan believes that Suryakumar will be able to dominate the spinners in the middle overs if he bats at No.4.

"No. 4. The way he has dominated in the middle overs for years and years, with his sweeps and ability to play spin really well. So, I think that is his position," Pathan told Star Sports.

Pathan also heaped praise on Abhishek Sharma, who slammed a breathtaking 84 off 35 balls, belting five fours and eight sixes.

"He's a bowler killer. If you want to destroy a bowler's confidence, bring him to bowl in front of an in-form Abhishek Sharma. So, that is why he can be an X-factor," Pathan mentioned.

Sanju Samson missed out with the bat in the first T20I as he was dismissed by Kyle Jamieson for a seven-ball 10. However, Pathan urged the Indian team management to continue backing the wicketkeeper-batter from Kerala.

"It should be Sanju Samson. He has hit centuries as an opener, and it also gives you that right-left combination. So, right now, Sanju Samson," he added.

I feel it should be Shreyas Iyer at No. 3 because he has shown his capabilities: Pathan

Shreyas Iyer has been picked in the Indian team as a last-minute replacement for Tilak Verma. While India sent Ishan Kishan to bat at No. 3, Pathan believes that Shreyas could be the ideal fit, especially after his remarkable outing with the bat in IPL 2025.

"I feel it should be Shreyas Iyer at No. 3 because he has shown his capabilities. We've seen how well he performed in the last IPL (604 runs in 17 innings at a strike rate of 175.07)," Pathan said.

Pathan was also asked to name one bowler apart from Jasprit Bumrah who could be India's go-to option in the death overs. The former all-rounder went with left-arm seamer Arshdeep Singh.

"It could be Arshdeep Singh. He has that wide yorker with left-arm angle for the death overs, and he can also target the stumps whenever he wants," he concluded.