All-rounder Shivam Dube dismisses concerns over form of T20 stalwarts Suryakumar and Shubman ahead of 4th T20I against SA today; insists duo’s talent and ability make them indispensable
India skipper Suryakumar Yadav during the third T20I against South Africa in Dharamsala on Sunday. Pic/BCCI; (right) India’s Shubman Gill during the third T20I against South Africa in Dharamsala on Sunday. Pic/PTI
Will India’s struggling dhurandhars (stalwarts) Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill get back their mojo in the fourth T20I against South Africa at the Ekana Stadium here on Wednesday?
The Indian captain and his deputy have not played a big knock in a long time, and questions are being raised about their continued presence in the team. With the duo under immense pressure, the home side, leading 2-1, would be keen to clinch the issue here in Lucknow rather than leave it to the last match in Ahmedabad on Friday.
Shivam Dube
After arriving in the city on Monday evening, the entire team went to the local mall to watch the blockbuster Dhurandhar. Hopefully, Suryakumar and Gill can take inspiration from the movie, where an Indian soldier (Ranveer Singh) takes on the might of Pakistan’s gangs, and try to end their lean run with the bat. Both of them have been showing good touch, but somehow a big score has eluded them. The form of the two is crucial for the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka in February and March. With top guns Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli having bid goodbye to T20 cricket, the onus of spearheading the batting is on Suryakumar and Gill. Thus, it’s imperative for them to hit peak form to induce confidence in the team. The good thing is that the way they have been starting their innings gives the impression that they could fire anytime.
Talking to the media on the match eve, all-rounder Shivam Dube discounted the notion that Gill and Yadav were not good enough in the format. “Not getting runs in a few matches does not mean you’re not up to it. Both are class players and have done so well in recent times. The talent and ability the two have are immense, and we, in the team, believe they are indispensable and they will be back at their best sooner than later,” said Dube.
9.66
Suryakumar Yadav’s average in first three games against SA
111.53
Suryakumar Yadav’s strike rate in first three games against SA
10.66
Shubman Gill’s average in the first three T20Is against SA
103.22
Shubman Gill’s strike rate in the first three T20Is against SA
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