India Receive Massive Boost With T20I Hero Set to Return Ahead of Asia Cup

A familiar figure, away from the game for months, quietly walked into the nets at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. India are currently scheduled to play the Asia Cup 2025 in September. The upcoming tournament will be played in the T20 international format. Hence, it will require every bit of firepower the Men in Blue can get.

Weeks ahead of the tournament, India has received some good news, which could have a significant impact on their overall performance in the ACC tournament. India T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has resumed batting practice for the first time since undergoing sports hernia surgery, marking a crucial step in his recovery ahead of the Asia Cup 2025. The superstar had gloves on, pads strapped and eyes focused.

Suryakumar Yadav, one of India's best T20 batters, seems ready to lead the Asia Cup 2025. He has finally picked up his bat again after months of rehab following his surgery. In Bengaluru, he began light batting sessions under the close watch of the BCCI medical and coaching staff.

Suryakumar Yadav Return Possible With Focus on Full Recovery

This is Suryakumar Yadav's first on-field cricket activity after the surgery he underwent in June in Munich, Germany, to address discomfort in his lower abdomen. The BCCI had earlier confirmed that the procedure went smoothly and that he was on a rehabilitation plan. His return to the nets is a positive sign not just for his recovery, but also for India’s preparations for the high-stakes Asia Cup, where he is expected to lead the T20 side. Being one of the best batters in T20 cricket, his return would be massive for India.
During the practice session, Suryakumar Yadav focused on improving his timing and spent brief periods in the nets. He concentrated more on balance, footwork, and control than on making aggressive shots. BCCI sources have confirmed that he will only be considered for selection once he clears all fitness benchmarks in the coming weeks. His return to India Asia Cup squad will be quite crucial.

Suryakumar Yadav’s Fitness Holds Importance

Suryakumar Yadav return holds particular importance with the Asia Cup looming large, especially as India looks to reclaim regional dominance. His return would add stability and experience to the middle order and would also work as a match finisher, particularly in high-pressure matches against teams like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.

According to ESPNcricinfo, the Indian team is expected to travel to the UAE in the first week of September with captain Suryakumar Yadav, who was handed the reins of India's T20I team after their World Cup campaign in June 2024. The decision was made after one of India's best batters, Rohit Sharma, announced his retirement from the format.

BCCI will host the Asia Cup, to be played in T20 format, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from September 9 to 28. The match between India and Pakistan, both placed in Group A, will be played on September 14.
The team management has also made it clear that they won’t rush his comeback. Instead, the plan is to allow him enough time to fully recover and regain match fitness before rejoining the squad. If all goes according to plan, he is expected to link up with the national team later this month for preparatory sessions ahead of his return to India Asia Cup squad.

Suryakumar Yadav was last seen on the field during the Mumbai T20 League in June, where he turned out for the Triumph Knights Mumbai North East. He wrapped up his campaign with 122 runs across four innings.
Earlier this year, he was in outstanding form during the 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), playing a vital role in taking the Mumbai Indians (MI) to the playoffs. His performances were not just consistent but record-breaking. He also won the Most Valuable Player award.