The inconsistent form of captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa has emerged as a talking point in India’s build-up to the 2026 T20 World Cup, starting February 7. Despite the scrutiny surrounding the senior pair, India opener and world No.1-ranked T20I batter Abhishek Sharma has voiced strong confidence in their quality and ability to deliver on the biggest stage.
Abhishek, who currently tops the ICC T20I batting rankings, has dismissed concerns over the duo’s recent struggles, asserting that both Suryakumar and Gill will play decisive roles for India during the upcoming ICC men’s T20 World Cup.
The experienced batters have found runs hard to come by in recent T20Is, with Gill’s innings of 28 in India’s emphatic seven-wicket victory over South Africa in Dharamsala on Sunday standing as the highest individual score by either player across the first three matches of the five-match series.
However, with less than two months remaining before the start of the T20 World Cup, which India will co-host with Sri Lanka, Abhishek said he remains unfazed by their lack of form, expressing confidence that the pair will peak when it matters most in the 20-over showpiece.
“I tell you one thing straight away, trust me, these two guys are going to win matches at the (T20) World Cup and before in (other) series as well,” Abhishek said after his knock of 35 helped India take a 2-1 lead in the series.
“I have been playing with them for so long, especially with Shubman, so I know where he can win the match, what are the conditions and irrespective of the team.
“I have a lot of faith in him from the beginning and I hope everyone will see it very soon and everyone will have faith.”
Suryakumar, meanwhile, endured another brief stay at the crease in Dharamsala, falling for 12 when he holed out to Ottniel Baartman in the deep, with India needing just 118 runs for victory.
The dismissal robbed the Indian skipper of a golden opportunity to steer the chase home with an unbeaten innings.
Addressing questions over his recent lack of runs during the post-match presentation at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Suryakumar was emphatic in stating that he was not out of form, but simply going through a lean patch.
“The thing is, I’ve been batting beautifully in the nets,” Suryakumar said.
“I’m trying everything that’s in my control. When the runs have to come, they’ll definitely come. But yes, I’m looking for runs, not out of form, but definitely out of runs.”
The five-match series now shifts to Lucknow for the fourth T20I on Wednesday, with India holding a 2-1 advantage.