Team India’s all-rounder Shivam Dubey has supported captain Suryakumar Yadav despite the weak position of the national cricket team in the shorter format. Dubey said Suryakumar is a rare match-winner who can decide games on his own ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026 in February-March next year.
In 2025, Surya has scored only 201 runs in 14 T20Is at an average of 14.36 and a strike rate of 126.42. They also struggled against South Africa in the ongoing five-match series. The Indian captain, who came to bat at number four in the third T20 match in Dharamsala, scored 12 runs before being dismissed by Lungi Ngidi.
You can win five out of five matches – Shivam Dubey supports Suryakumar Yadav
Suryakumar Yadav last scored a half-century in T20I in October 2024 and questions regarding his form have intensified. However, Shivam Dubey said that a temporary leanness does not diminish Suryakumar’s value. He described them as match winners and said that SKY’s impact goes beyond statistics.
“He is a player who can win you five out of five games on his own. If he is not scoring right now, it does not mean he is not a good player,” Dubey said on the eve of the fourth T20I against South Africa in Lucknow.
“He is one of the best. No one can do what he does. Yes, the runs have gone down, but his form will come back at the right time. He can explode any time,” he said.
Suryakumar Yadav always wants to do something for the team – Shivam Dubey
Shivam Dubey said that Suryakumar Yadav is a complete 360 degree batsman and his mentality remains the same regardless of the runs. Dubey also backed vice-captain Shubman Gill, who is facing a slump in T20I form. He told that Gill has performed consistently well for India in the last few years.
Dubey further added, “Whether he scores or not, he is the same guy. He always wants to do something for the team. He is innovative and always a threat.”
“Even when his form dips, his numbers are very good. He has been performing for India for many years,” he said.
I worked a lot on my fitness – Shivam Dubey
The 32-year-old believes India’s plans for the home World Cup have been finalized. He said that only minor decisions will be taken by the captain, coach and selectors. Dube also shared that he spent the off-season working hard on his fitness, as well as having regular discussions with Morne Morkel on bowling.
“I don’t think much will change. This is one of our best teams. I have worked a lot on my fitness and have had a lot of talks with Morne Morkel. It has helped me a lot,” he said.
Dubey has started playing an important role with the ball in T20 matches. Suryakumar Yadav uses Dubey as part of his regular bowling plan, especially in the middle overs or when the opposition starts building partnerships. He has forced the batsmen to struggle and make mistakes by slowing the ball down and using cutters.
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