India’s juggernaut this year and their current 2-1 lead against South Africa in the T20I series has been built on bowling muscle and Abhishek Sharma’s aggressive batting, not on runs from the leadership group. Yet, after the third T20I, Abhishek chose to stand firmly behind two men under the scanner, captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill. Despite their horrible struggles, the young opener made it clear that he believes the duo will come good when it matters most, including at the T20 World Cup next year.
Abhishek Sharma’s faith in Gill and Suryakumar
Speaking after the win, Abhishek was blunt in his backing. He urged everyone to trust Suryakumar and Gill, saying that both will win India matches in the T20 World Cup and in the build-up series before that. He has years of shared cricketing experience, which gives him confidence, particularly in Gill. Abhishek believes he has a deeper understanding of Gill’s game than most because they have played together since age-group cricket.
There’s a famous adage that ‘form is temporary, while class is permanent’. And that is what Abhishek spoke about Gill, sharing his experience of watching the current Indian ODI and Test captain take control in specific conditions, against any opposition, regardless of the situation.
While speaking to reporters after playing a part in India’s superb win in Dharamsala, Abhishek said:
“I’m telling you (media) straight away, trust me that these two guys (Surya and Gill) are going to win us matches in the T20 World Cup and in series before that. I have been playing with them for so long, especially Shubman. So, I know which match he (Gill) can win, which conditions, irrespective of the team, whoever it is. So, I have a lot of trust in him from the beginning, and I hope everyone will see it very soon, and everyone will trust him.” That belief, however, sits uncomfortably alongside the numbers.
Shubman Gill & Suryakumar Yadav and a horrible 2025
Suryakumar Yadav’s slump has become impossible to ignore. While many say he is in a decline, former T20 World Cup winner Robin Uthappa says he is just out of position. In 2025, India’s T20I captain has scored just 201 runs in 17 innings at an average of 14.35, striking at 126.41. He has not crossed fifty even once this year. Statistically, this is among the worst calendar years for a T20I batter from a Test-playing nation. For a captain, that is a serious problem going into a home World Cup as well.
Yes, he hasn’t looked all at sea but Suryakumar just hasn’t been able to score runs. Teams have found out his weak areas; with the current template of Indian batting, it may be doing a cobra effect on him. The constat batting slot changing, which is supported by SKY, hasn’t helped him at all.
Shubman Gill’s case is slightly different but not entirely reassuring either. The vice-captain has managed 291 runs from 15 innings this year at an average of 24.25, with no fifty to his name. Eight of those knocks have ended below 20, which shows that he is not failing but failing to go big. Gill has just returned from injury and has had a huge workload this year, and some allowance can be made for that, but India brought him for consistency. But that is exactly what Gill is missing.
Shubman Gill & Suryakumar Yadav: T20I stats in 2025
| Player | Innings | Runs | HS | Av | SR | 100s | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shubman Gill | 15 | 291 | 47 | 24.25 | 137.26 | 0 | 0 |
| Suryakumar Yadav | 18 | 213 | 47* | 14.20 | 125.29 | 0 | 0 |
Abhishek’s defence of Gill and Suryakumar is obvious, as he is part of the team. But international cricket doesn’t wait forever. India don’t just need reassurance anymore. The Men in Blue need performance on the field. The talent is unquestionable. The time to turn belief into runs, however, is running out.
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Abhishek Sharma backs Shubman Gill & Suryakumar Yadav to win matches at T20 World Cup
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