Argus News - Yet another Failure for Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav! Abhishek Sharma Has his Say

Bhubaneswar, Dec 15: The poor run of form continued for Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill as both the batters failed to impress in the third T20I at Dharamsala, Sunday. Despite this, Abhishek Sharma has exuded confidence in the duo’s ability to deliver and come good.

Chasing a paltry target of 118, Abhishek Sharma gave the home team a fiery start to the innings. Abhishek perished in the sixth over after a magnificent 18-ball 35 laced with three boundaries and an identical number of maximums.

With the scoreboard reading 60/1 in 5.2 overs, it was expected to be a walk in the park for the Men in Blue. Expectations were high for Gill, and more so considering the fact that Abhishek’s innings allowed the Indian Test captain to take his time and get some runs under his belt.

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However, Gill, yet again, squandered a wonderful opportunity — had he remained unbeaten at the crease, it would have boosted his confidence massively going into the fourth T20I. He could muster only a run-a-ball 28 — way less than what the current style of T20I requires. It was quite disappointing and it will only add fuel to the debate of ‘Why not Sanju Samson?’

Skipper Suryakumar Yadav too was disappointing. The Mumbaikar joined Tilak Varma, who came in at No.3, at the middle when India were only 26 shy of the target having more than eight overs left to play. How Surya fared? — He yet again got out cheaply (an 11-ball 12), holed at fine leg going for his trademark lift towards the region.

The shot, once his go-to shot in the format no matter who the bowler was, has now become his weakness and bowlers are continuously using this ploy to dismiss him.

Gill’s opening partner, Abhishek Sharma, has, however, supported his vice-captain as well as the Team India skipper to win matches for the team in the run-up to next year’s Men’s T20 World Cup. The T20I extravaganza will be played from February 7 to March 8 in India and Sri Lanka.

“I’ll tell you one thing straight away. Trust me, Suryakumar and Shubman will win matches for India in the World Cup, and matches before the World Cup as well,” Abhishek told reporters after the conclusion of the game.

“I’ve played with them for so long, especially with Shubman. I know where Shubman can excel, in what conditions, irrespective of the opponent. I have full trust in him. Very soon, everyone else will gain that trust in him too,” he stated.

Both the teams — India and South Africa — will head to Lucknow for the fourth match of the series at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Wednesday.

(IANS)