As the T20 World Cup 2026 approaches, the Indian cricket team is banking on Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill to rediscover their best form. With the tournament scheduled to be co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka from February 7 to March 8, 2026, time is of the essence for these key players to regain their mojo.
Suryakumar Yadav, the current T20I captain, has been a vital cog in India's T20I setup, known for his innovative strokeplay and ability to change the game's complexion. However, his recent performances have been inconsistent, raising concerns about his form heading into the crucial tournament. In 17 T20I innings this year, Suryakumar has managed just 201 runs at an average of 14.35, with a strike rate of over 126 and no half-centuries. Despite these numbers, the team management has expressed unwavering faith in his leadership and batting prowess.
Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate has acknowledged Suryakumar's importance to the team and backed him to thrive with the added responsibility of captaincy at the T20 World Cup. "It's exactly the same with Surya… I think you back quality players and quality leaders like that and they will come good," he stated, reinforcing the team's confidence in his abilities. Suryakumar was appointed as India's T20I captain in October 2024 after Rohit Sharma's retirement in June 2024. In 2024, during the IPL season, Suryakumar showcased resilience, amassing 345 runs in 11 matches at a striking strike rate of 167.47.
Shubman Gill, on the other hand, is considered a long-term prospect across all formats, but his recent T20I form has been a mixed bag. Gill has scored 263 runs in 14 innings at an average of 23.90, with a strike rate of over 142 and no half-centuries. Ten Doeschate has observed a shift in Gill's approach since the tour of Australia in November 2025 and wants him to replicate his IPL form in international cricket. "Towards the back end of the Australian tour, there were talks about freeing up a little bit, trying to not make the responsibility feel like that it is all about you, and relinquish such thoughts. We want him to play as freely as he does during the IPL," he explained.
Despite Gill's recent struggles, the team recognizes his potential and believes in his ability to bounce back. "We also know the class. If you look at his IPL record where he stacks up 700 runs, 600 runs, 800 runs, 600 runs. We believe in his class and we believe he will come good," Ten Doeschate affirmed. Gill's career-defining moment came in the final Test against Australia, where he scored 91 runs to help India win the Test series. In the IPL 2023, Gill won the Orange Cap after scoring 890 runs in 17 matches.
India is set to co-host the T20 World Cup 2026 with Sri Lanka, with matches to be played across five venues in India and three in Sri Lanka. India will begin their title defense against the United States at Mumbai's Wankhede Stadium on February 7, 2026. India is in Group A alongside Pakistan, Netherlands, Namibia, and the USA. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Eight stage, followed by the semi-finals and the final. The final is scheduled to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on March 8, 2026.
With the T20 World Cup 2026 on the horizon, the Indian team management is keen to provide Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill with ample opportunities to regain their form and confidence. The team has absolute faith that the two batting stars will rediscover their touch and deliver when it matters most.
