"These two guys are going to win matches for us in the World Cup" - Team India star's big claim on Suryakumar Yadav, Shubman Gill

Team India opener Abhishek Sharma has backed the struggling duo of Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill to come good in the T20 World Cup, which will be played in India and Sri Lanka in February-March next year.

India beat South Africa by seven wickets at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala on Sunday, December 14 in the third T20I of the five-match series. With the win, the Men in Blue took a 2-1 lead in the five-match series. Bowling first, India knocked over the Proteas for 117 and then chased down the target in 15.5 overs.

While the hosts won the game with ease, Gill and skipper Suryakumar continued their poor form with the bat. Gill was dismissed for an unconvincing run-a-ball 28, while Suryakumar perished for 12 off 11 balls. Speaking at a post-match press conference, Abhishek threw his weight behind the under-fire duo and asserted:

"I'll tell you one thing straightaway. These two guys are going to win matches for us in the World Cup and in the series before that as well. I have been playing with them since long, especially with Shubman. I know when and where he can win games for us irrespective of the conditions. I have always had faith in him. I hope that everyone can see that soon."

Both Gill and Suryakumar are yet to register a half-century in T20Is in 2025. Gill has scored 291 runs in 15 innings, with a best of 47. As for the Indian captain, he has 213 runs in 18 innings, with a best of 47*.

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"The game could be over in the powerplay" - Team India opener on his aggressive knock

While Gill and Suryakumar had another poor day in the office, Abhishek got India off to a rollicking start, hammering 35 off 18 balls, with the aid of three fours and as many sixes. The southpaw admitted that there was help in the pitch for the seamers and hence he wanted to score as many as he could in the powerplay.

"There was assistance for the pacers. The way I way batting, I knew that if I get the team off to a good start, the game could be over in the powerplay. So, that was the plan and the others played normally and decided to remain not out. I always try to give the team starts. If I have that intent, the other batters can just play along the ground or probably take their time," Abhishek explained.

Having taken a 2-1 lead, India will look to seal the T20I series with yet another at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on December 17.