Abhishek Sharma backs Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav to win T20 World Cup 2026 matches

India’s heavyweight this year and its current 2-1 lead against South Africa in the T20I series has been built on the bowling power and aggressive batting of Abhishek Sharma, not the runs of 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 horrendous struggles, the young opener made it clear that he believes the duo will succeed when it matters most, including at next year’s T20 World Cup.

Abhishek Sharma’s faith in Gill and Suryakumar

Speaking after the win, Abhishek was outspoken in his support. He urged everyone to have faith in Suryakumar and Gill, saying both will win India’s matches in the T20 World Cup and in the preparatory series before that. He has years of shared experience in cricket, which gives him confidence, especially in Gill. Abhishek believes he has a deeper understanding of Gill’s game than most because they have been playing together since age group cricket.

There is a famous saying that “form is temporary, while class is permanent”. And that’s what Abhishek spoke about Gill, sharing his experience of watching the current Indian ODI and Test captain take control in specific conditions, against all opposition, no matter the situation.

Speaking to reporters after playing a role in India’s stunning victory in Dharamshala, Abhishek said:

“I’m telling you (media) right now, believe me, these two guys (Surya and Gill) are going to win us matches in the T20 World Cup and series before that. I’ve been playing with them for so long, especially with Shubman. So, I know what match he (Gill) can win, in what conditions, whatever the team, whoever it is. So, I have a lot of faith in him from the beginning, and I hope everyone sees him very soon, and everyone trusts him..” This belief, however, sits poorly with the numbers.

Shubman Gill & Suryakumar Yadav and a horrible 2025

Suryakumar Yadav’s crisis has become impossible to ignore. While many say he is on the decline, former T20 World Cup winner Robin Uthappa says he is simply not in the position. In 2025, the Indian T20I captain scored just 201 runs in 17 innings at an average of 14.35, with a strike of 126.41. He has not crossed fifty once this year. Statistically, this is one of the worst calendar years for a T20I batter from a Test country. For a captain, this is also a serious problem before a home World Cup.

Yes, he didn’t look everything at sea, but Suryakumar just wasn’t able to score runs. The teams discovered its weak points; with the current model of Indian batting, it could have a cobra effect on him. The constant change of batting location, supported by SKY, didn’t help him at all.

The case of Shubman Gill is slightly different but not entirely reassuring either. The vice-captain has scored 291 runs in 15 innings this year at an average of 24.25, with no fifty to his name. Eight of those shots finished below 20, showing he’s not failing but failing to make it big. Gill has just returned from injury and has had a huge workload this year, and that can be taken into account, but India brought him in for his consistency. But that’s exactly what Gill is missing.

Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav: T20I stats in 2025

Abhishek’s defense against Gill and Suryakumar is evident as he is part of the team. But international cricket doesn’t wait forever. India no longer just needs reassurance. The Men in Blue need performance on the pitch. The talent is undeniable. However, time is running out to turn belief into racing.