From being a concern to reinvigorating itself as the backbone of the side. That’s the kind of turnaround India’s middle order has made since the team’s debacle in the 2021 T20 World Cup.

Much of the credit for this transformation must go to Suryakumar Yadav, whose ability to change the complexion of the game with his relentless strokeplay at No.4 has been a decisive factor lately alongside strengthening India’s middle order.

Last year in the UAE, openers Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul’s early dismissals against Pakistan and New Zealand were among the main reasons for India’s back-to-back losses. The two defeats eventually cut India’s Cup campaign short as they failed to progress beyond the group stage. The middle order had failed to step up in those two games.

But over the last few months, it has risen to the occasion. With Suryakumar, or SKY as he is called, getting a better hang of international cricket and Hardik Pandya returning fitter, sharper and wiser, India have proved they can bounce back even if the contribution of their top order is minimal.

“There’s lesser pressure on the top order now. The top three know that even if the going gets tough, the team has Surya who can take care of the proceedings,” former national selector Devang Gandhi said.

“That he goes after the opposition bowling straightaway and maintains the rhythm helps in the momentum staying with India,” Devang said.

Former Mumbai coach Sulakshan Kulkarni believes Surya’s shot-making has improved. “I’ve been watching Surya since his U-19 days. He has always been a 360-degree batter. In Mumbai’s Ranji Trophy triumph in 2012-13, Surya played a big role... As the coach of the side, I had said, ‘He’s my free bird’.

“Big names like Sachin Tendulkar, Rohit Sharma and Ajinkya Rahane were all present then,” Kulkarni, now coaching Punjab U-19, recalled, adding: “He continues to be the free bird who refuses to be caged.

“The shots that you see him play at present aren’t anything new. But yeah, he’s using the pace of the ball hurled in excess of 140kmph much better. His pick-up shots on the leg side and their proper execution is another aspect he has added to his batting.”

Against Pakistan in Melbourne last Sunday, the 32-year-old tried to be a little too cheeky as the short-ofgood-length delivery from Haris Rauf brought about his caught-behind dismissal.

Suryakumar had managed only 15, yet that didn’t go on to hurt India much in the end as Pandya (40) played a key role in the game-changing 113-run fifth-wicket stand with Virat Kohli, who remained not out on 82. “Given the context as well as the situation, Pandya’s contribution was crucial,” agreed Devang.