Suryakumar Yadav backs Shubman Gill after strike-rate criticism: 'It's a combination of fire and fire'

India’s T20I vice-captain Shubman Gill has been under fire lately for his batting strike rate in the shortest format. His 46-run knock in the fourth T20I in Gold Coast was particularly criticised for being too slow, especially as other batters, including Abhishek Sharma, also struggled to get going.

However, in the fifth and final T20I on Sunday, Gill answered his critics in style. The right-hander smashed 29 off just 16 balls, hitting six boundaries before rain stopped play and eventually washed out the match. His attacking game was much-needed when Abhishek appeared to struggle at the other end.

SKY defends Gill after heavy criticism over cautious approach

After the game, India captain Suryakumar Yadav came out strongly in support of his opening pair, Gill and Abhishek. Speaking at the post-match press conference, Suryakumar described their partnership as “fire and fire.” He praised how Gill adapted to the conditions in the last game, suggesting that batting was difficult on that pitch.

“They both are looking to match each other’s strike rates. It’s a combination of fire and fire. In my opinion, if the wicket is a bit difficult, then it is important to adapt. Today, the wicket was good, so these two scored more than 50 in five overs. In the last game, it was important to read the wicket, and these two did just that. At this level, experience helps, and see how he (Gill) adapted in the last game. Both Abhishek and Gill have good communication. It is just a case of adapting; they complement each other well,” SKY said.

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Gill returned to India’s T20I setup ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup this year after more than a year’s gap, replacing Sanju Samson as an opener. But his comeback has not gone down well with some fans and experts, who believe it has impacted the balance of the team.

Many feel that Gill has no place in the Indian T20 team, with players like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer on the sidelines. However, the Gautam Gambhir-led Indian team management sees Gill as the future captain across all formats, and for that, he needs to be in the playing XI, even if it means benching an in-form player.