India’s Assistant Coach Backs Underperforming Stars Ahead of T20 World Cup
India’s assistant coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, has come to the defense of T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill, who have been struggling with their batting form. In the recent T20I match against South Africa in Mullanpur, both players faced early dismissals, scoring 0 and 5 runs, as India fell short in their chase of a hefty target of 214, losing by 51 runs.
Gill and Suryakumar have both faced challenges at the crease, raising concerns for the Indian team as they prepare for the T20 World Cup 2026, set to take place in India from February 7 to March 8. However, ten Doeschate believes their recent struggles are not cause for alarm and has faith that both players will soon regain their best form.
In his post-match comments, ten Doeschate pointed out that Gill had fallen to a good delivery from Lungi Ngidi and explained that his earlier dismissal in the first T20I was due to a strategy to encourage aggressive batting during the powerplay, despite the unfavorable pitch conditions.
“Shubman showed some improved mentality towards the end of the Australian tour. I wouldn’t be too concerned about these two dismissals. In the first game, we wanted them to attack, but the pitch wasn’t great, so I can overlook that. Today, he faced a good ball that can happen when you’re out of form,” he said.
The coach emphasized that both players have proven records and deserve strong support from the team management. He noted, “You can see Suryakumar’s IPL record; he consistently scores 700-800 runs. We believe in his ability, and we’re confident he will bounce back. The same goes for Gill. Even though it might look concerning from outside, I have total faith in these players to perform when it matters.”
Despite the lack of runs, ten Doeschate acknowledged that both players hold key leadership roles, which can add pressure. He pointed out that Gill’s experience as a captain in other formats might have influenced his mindset in T20 cricket, leading to some hesitation at the crease.
“We want Shubman to play freely, like he does in the IPL,” he added. “He’s taken on leadership roles before, and while that pride is great, it shouldn’t restrict his natural game.”
Turning his attention to Suryakumar, ten Doeschate noted, “There’s a lot of expectation when you’re batting at No. 3. Although he hasn’t scored as expected lately, we believe in his potential. His leadership has also been impressive.”
With the series against South Africa now tied at 1-1, the Indian team is eager to make a strong comeback in the third T20I on December 14 in Dharamsala. As they gear up for the World Cup, the hope is that both Suryakumar and Gill will find their footing and contribute significantly to the team’s success.
