India opener and world No. 1 T20I batter Abhishek Sharma has thrown his full support behind senior teammates Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill, insisting the duo will deliver when it matters most at the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Despite questions around their recent form, Abhishek believes class and experience will ultimately prevail on the biggest stage.

Suryakumar and Gill have endured a relatively quiet run in the ongoing five-match T20I series against South Africa. Across the first three matches, Gill’s 28 in India’s seven-wicket win in Dharamsala remains the highest individual score by either of the two batters. With the T20 World Cup less than two months away, scrutiny has intensified, but Abhishek was quick to dismiss any panic.

Speaking after India took a 2-1 lead in the series, Abhishek Sharma made his confidence clear. “Trust me, these two guys are going to win matches at the World Cup and even before that in other series,” he said. “I’ve played with them for a long time, especially Shubman. I know the conditions where he can change games, irrespective of the opposition. I’ve had faith in him from day one, and everyone will see that very soon.”

ALSO READ: England Recall Josh Tongue For Must-Win Third Ashes Test At Adelaide Oval

A solid opening stand between Abhishek and Gill anchored India’s successful chase of a modest 118 in the third T20I. The pair added 60 runs in just 5.2 overs, setting the tone early. Abhishek continued his impressive form with a fluent 35 off 18 balls, while Gill played the stabilising role, scoring 28 off 28 deliveries as India cruised to victory in 15.5 overs.

The groundwork for the comfortable win, however, was laid by India’s bowlers after opting to bowl first. Arshdeep Singh led the charge with figures of 2 for 13, while Harshit Rana claimed two wickets and Hardik Pandya chipped in with one. The trio made full use of the conditions, producing a disciplined swing-bowling effort to bowl South Africa out for a below-par 117.

ALSO READ: Ravichandran Ashwin Raises Vice-Captaincy Dilemma Over Shubman Gill As Samson Waits in Wings

Suryakumar Yadav, who scored 12 before falling while trying to finish the chase, later addressed concerns around his form. The India captain remained firm in his assessment. “I’ve been batting beautifully in the nets,” he said. “I’m doing everything in my control. I’m not out of form, just out of runs.”

India now shift focus to the fourth T20I in Lucknow on Wednesday, aiming to build momentum ahead of the World Cup.