Overview
- On the eve of the fourth T20I in Lucknow, Shivam Dube called Suryakumar Yadav a match‑winner who can “win five out of five” and voiced faith in vice‑captain Shubman Gill.
- Suryakumar has not scored a T20I fifty since October 2024; since November 2024 he has 239 runs in 21 innings at just over 13 and a 120.10 strike rate, while Gill has 291 in 15 at 24.25 and 137.26 with no half‑centuries.
- With only seven T20Is left before the tournament, the Lucknow game doubles as an audition window, and a win would secure India a 14th straight T20I series victory.
- Former India batter Manoj Tiwary urged selectors to base World Cup spots on performance, saying leadership roles should not ensure selection for Suryakumar or Gill.
- Dube said India’s squad looks largely settled and final decisions rest with the captain, coach and selectors, adding he has focused on fitness and worked closely with bowling coach Morne Morkel.