Suryakumar Yadav has doused the Shubman Gill's strike-rate debate following India won the T20I series against Australia 2-1 after India versus Australia's fifty match was washed out due to rain at the Gabba.
Gill and Abhishek are looking to match each other's strike rates: Suryakumar Yadav
Gill's strike rate has been a subject of scrutiny since he has been included in the T20I squad for the Asia Cup 2025. Gill drew flak for his slow pace after scoring 46 runs off 39 balls in the fourth T20I against Australia, even though the knock was crucial in setting up the team's victory. However, the 26-year-old came out all guns blazing in the final T20I in Brisbane, where he remained unbeaten on 29 off just 16 balls, a rapid innings that included six boundaries.
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Gill quickly made his intentions clear in the third over of the abandoned match, smashing four consecutive boundaries off the bowling of Ben Dwarshius. Following the rain-induced washout at the Gabba, India captain Suryakumar Yadav strongly supported Gill, describing his partnership with Abhishek Sharma as fire and fire, rather than the typical fire and ice dynamic. Suryakumar also defended Gill's overall approach, emphasizing that his batting style depends entirely on the match situation and the condition of the wicket. It is worth noting, however, that since returning to the T20I lineup as vice-captain, Gill has yet to record a half-century.
“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 years. 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,” Suryakumar said at the post-match press conference.
It's just fire and fire: Abhishek Sharma
Gill's return to the T20I lineup led to a shakeup in the batting order, as Sanju Samson was consequently demoted down the order, despite having scored three centuries the previous year. Furthermore, Samson was eventually dropped from the playing XI entirely during the series against Australia, with Jitesh Sharma taking his spot in the middle order.Meanwhile, Abhishek Sharma, who was named Player of the Series for accumulating 163 runs across the five matches, extended high praise toward his opening partner, Gill.
“It's just fire and fire. Look at the way he was playing today. We have been playing together since the U-12 days, so there is a good understanding. I know what shots he's looking to play and which bowler he's targeting. He is also aware of my game, and he helps me in what sort of shots I should look to play,” Abhishek added.