India unfazed by Gill and Suryakumar’s dip in form, says ten Doeschate

Despite a quiet start to the South Africa T20I series, India remain completely relaxed about the form of Shubman Gill and Suryakumar Yadav ahead of next year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate believes the duo will fire when it matters most.

Gill and Suryakumar have combined for just 21 runs across the first two matches, with the opener dismissed first ball in New Chandigarh and the Indian skipper managing only five. For most teams, this would trigger concern with a major ICC event only months away — but India’s camp isn’t pressing the panic button.

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Ten Doeschate, speaking after India’s 51-run defeat on Thursday, said form slumps are natural but class is permanent.

“I saw good signs from Gill at the backend of the Australian tour,” he said. “In the first T20I we asked the boys to attack the Powerplay, and the wicket at Cuttack wasn’t great. Today he got a good ball. That happens when you’re short on runs — but his IPL record speaks for itself. We believe in his class.”

On Suryakumar Yadav, India’s T20I captain, the assistant coach sounded equally confident, insisting leadership brings out the best in him.

“With Surya it’s the same story,” ten Doeschate added. “We are deep into our planning for the World Cup. He’s a quality player and a quality leader. From the outside it might look worrying, but I have absolute faith in both of them coming good at the right time.”

India levelled the series in Cuttack with a dominant win before South Africa hit back in New Chandigarh. The focus now shifts to Dharamsala, where the third T20I on Sunday could define the momentum of the five-match series.

With the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, India’s management remains clear: no matter the recent scores, Gill and Suryakumar remain central to their plans — and the belief around them hasn’t shaken one bit.