"He's not scoring...": Shivam Dube drops blunt remarks on Suryakumar Yadav's horrible form

Team India all-rounder Shivam Dube has backed skipper Suryakumar Yadav despite his lean patch in the shorter format of the national cricket team. Dube stated that Suryakumar remains 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. He also struggled against South Africa in the ongoing five-match series. The Indian captain, who walked out to bat at No. 4, scored 12 runs before being dismissed by Lungi Ngidi in the third T20I in Dharamshala.

Can Win You Five Out of Five Matches - Shivam Dube Backs Suryakumar Yadav

Suryakumar Yadav last scored a half-century in T20Is in October 2024, and questions around his form have grown louder. However, Shivam Dube said that a temporary lean patch does not diminish Suryakumar’s value. He added that SKY’s influence goes beyond statistics, describing him as a match-winner.

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“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 on the eve of the fourth T20I against South Africa in Lucknow.

“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," he added.

Suryakumar Yadav Always Wants to Do Something for the Team - Shivam Dube

Shivam Dube said that Suryakumar Yadav is a complete 360-degree batter and his mindset remains the same regardless of runs. Dube also backed vice-captain Shubman Gill, who is facing a dip in T20I form. He pointed out that Gill delivered consistently for India over the years.

“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 continued.

“Even when his form dips, his numbers are still very good. He’s been performing for India for many years," he added.

I Worked a Lot on My Fitness - Shivam Dube

The 32-year-old believes India’s plans for the home World Cup are settled. He stated 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, with regular discussions with Morne Morkel on bowling.

“I don’t think much will change. This is one of the best teams we’ve had. I worked a lot on my fitness and have had many conversations with Morne Morkel. That’s helped me a lot," he said.

Dube has started playing an important role with the ball in T20 matches. Suryakumar Yadav uses Dube as part of the regular bowling plan, especially in the middle overs or when the opposition starts building a partnership. He has made batters struggle and forced mistakes by slowing the ball and using cutters.

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