India all-rounder Shivam Dube has come out strongly in support of out-of-form T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav, insisting that a temporary dip in runs cannot define a player of his stature, especially with the T20 World Cup fast approaching. Suryakumar, widely regarded as one of the most destructive batters in world cricket, has not registered a T20I fifty since October 2024. With less than two months to go before the global event, questions around his form have grown louder.

However, Shivam Dube believes the chatter is misplaced and stressed that match-winners like Suryakumar operate beyond conventional metrics. “He’s the kind of player who can win you five matches out of five on his own,” Dube said on the eve of the fourth T20I against South Africa in Lucknow. “If he’s not scoring right now, it doesn’t mean he’s not a good player.”

According to Dube, Suryakumar’s value to the Indian team goes far beyond the scorecard. His presence alone puts opposition bowlers under pressure, and his ability to change games within a few overs makes him irreplaceable in the shortest format.

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“He’s one of the best. No one can do what he does. Yes, the runs have dried up, but his form will return at the right time. He can explode at any moment,” Shivam Dube added.

The Mumbai all-rounder also praised Suryakumar’s mindset, calling him a fighter and a true 360-degree batter who constantly looks to contribute to the team, regardless of personal milestones. Dube extended similar backing to vice-captain Shubman Gill, who has also faced scrutiny due to a modest T20I run.

“Even when his form dips, his numbers are still very good. He’s been performing for India for many years,” Dube said, labelling Gill one of India’s finest batters.

Looking ahead to the home T20 World Cup, Dube feels the Indian squad is largely settled and well-balanced.

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“I don’t think much will change. This is one of the best teams we’ve had,” he said, while acknowledging that final decisions rest with the captain, coach and selectors.

On a personal front, Dube revealed that an intense focus on fitness and regular discussions with bowling coach Morne Morkel during the off-season have helped sharpen his all-round game.