New Delhi: India all-rounder Shivam Dube has expressed strong support for T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, emphasizing that the star batter remains a match-winner despite struggling for runs in recent months. With the T20 World Cup less than two months away, questions over Suryakumar’s form have intensified, as he has not scored a T20I fifty since October 2024.
Dube dismissed concerns about the captain’s performance, saying that form cannot define a player of Suryakumar’s calibre. “He’s the kind of player who can win you five out of five matches on his own. If he’s not scoring right now, it doesn’t mean he’s not a good player,” Dube said ahead of India’s fourth T20I against South Africa in Lucknow.
He highlighted that Suryakumar’s influence goes beyond statistics. “He’s one of the best. No one can do what he does. Yes, runs have dried up, but his form will return at the right time. He can explode at any moment,” Dube added. He also praised the captain’s mindset, calling him a fighter and a versatile 360-degree batter. “Whether he scores or not, he’s the same guy. He always wants to do something for the team. He’s innovative and always a threat,” Dube said.
Dube also extended his support to vice-captain Shubman Gill, who is experiencing a lean patch in T20Is. “Even when his form dips, his numbers are still very good. He’s been performing for India for many years,” he said, describing Gill as one of the country’s finest batters.
Looking ahead to the T20 World Cup at home, Dube said India’s squad appears largely settled. “I don’t think much will change. This is one of the best teams we’ve had,” he noted, adding that final decisions will rest with the captain, coach, and selectors.
On his own preparations, Dube revealed that he has focused extensively on fitness during the off-season. “I worked a lot on my fitness and have had many conversations with Morne Morkel. That’s helped me a lot,” he said, signaling readiness to contribute in the upcoming tournament.
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