All-rounder Shivam Dube threw his support behind the struggling Suryakumar Yadav, claiming on Tuesday that the India T20 captain can win games on his own and will find his form at the appropriate moment.
Suryakumar’s runs have dried up; his most recent T20I fifty came in October 2024. The pressure has started to increase with less than two months till the World Cup.
“He’s the kind of player who can make you win five out of five matches on his own. If he is not in form, it doesn’t mean he’s not a good player,” Dube said, backing his captain on the eve of the fourth T20I against South Africa in Lucknow.
“He is one of the best players. No one can do what he can. Yes, he is short of runs, but his form will return at the right time. He can blast at any moment,” he added.
Dube emphasized that Suryakumar’s influence and mentality transcend statistics.
“He is a fighter. Whether he’s scoring runs or not, he remains the same. He always wants to do something for the team. He is an innovative and threatening player. I think he is a 360-degree player,” Dube added.
Shubman Gill, Suryakumar’s deputy, is also going through a difficult time in the shortest format, but Dube again expressed faith in the vice-captain.
“I think Shubman Gill is such a player that even when his form is up or down, his average and strike rate are still very good. He has been performing for India for many years,” Dube said. “Ups and downs are part and parcel of the game, but I think he is one of the best batters in India.”
The 32-year-old all-rounder thinks that going into the T20 World Cup at home, India, the reigning champions, are essentially settled.
“I think the team is settled. I don’t think much will change, but of course that decision rests with the captain, coach and selectors. According to me, this is one of the best teams.”
Dube also discussed his personal preparation, stating that he spends the off-season concentrating on his conditioning.
“I worked a lot on my fitness in the off-season. When I’m with the Indian team, I have a lot of conversations with Morne (Morkel). That has helped me a lot,” he said.
