“It's a combination of fire and fire” - Suryakumar Yadav defends Shubman Gill’s strike-rate

Indian T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav has stated that the Abhishek Sharma and Shubman Gill opening combination is fire and fire. He also backed his deputy Gill, who has been under constant criticism in the shortest format of the game.

Speaking in the post-match press conference, Suryakumar also asserted that it’s important for the opening batters to adapt according to the wicket and adjust their batting gameplay. In the fifth T20I, the opening batters took 4.5 overs to score 52 runs.

“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.

In the fifth T20I at The Gabba in Brisbane, Abhishek Sharma scored 23 runs in 13 balls with one four and a six at a strike rate of 176.92. On the other hand, Shubman Gill smacked 29 off 16 balls with six fours at a strike rate of 181.25.

“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 stated after the game.

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