New Delhi, Dec 12 (NationPress) Former Indian all-rounder Irfan Pathan expressed concern over the poor form of captain Suryakumar Yadav and vice-captain Shubman Gill, particularly following another disappointing performance in the 51-run defeat during the second T20I. This has raised alarms ahead of next year's T20 World Cup.

In the second T20I, Gill faced an unfortunate dismissal on his very first ball during India's 51-run loss to South Africa in New Chandigarh on Thursday, leveling the five-match T20I series at 1-1. Meanwhile, Suryakumar did not perform much better, scoring just five runs off four deliveries.

The pair has managed a mere 21 runs combined across the opening two matches of the ongoing T20I series against South Africa. Notably, it has been over 12 months since both Gill and Suryakumar scored fifties in T20Is.

“Before the toss, we noted that it wouldn’t be detrimental for South Africa to bat first. They chased in the initial match, and during this game in New Chandigarh, they batted first, allowing them to play freely without scoreboard pressure,” Pathan remarked.

“Quinton de Kock delivered an outstanding performance. Reflecting on this match, we must acknowledge two key points: firstly, the forms of Indian captain Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill, which are of significant concern for India.”

“Secondly, South Africa's bowling showcased remarkable skill. The return of Quinton de Kock to form is also significant for South Africa,” Pathan stated during a discussion on JioStar.

With Gill experiencing a second consecutive failure in the series and accumulating 263 runs from 14 T20Is this year, Pathan believes that if the opener were in peak form, he wouldn't have been dismissed for a golden duck.

“Shubman Gill might argue that he faced a superb delivery and appeared stuck at the crease. Regarding captain Suryakumar Yadav, it seems he needs to refine his offside play, as he was completely out of position when dismissed. As for Gill’s dismissal, Lungi Ngidi delivered a top-notch delivery. Given his form, he should have handled that ball with ease,” Pathan explained.

“Ngidi has bowled just three overs to him during this series and dismissed him twice, allowing only four runs. He is applying significant pressure on Gill with the new ball. The lack of runs from Gill's bat is concerning and heightens the pressure on both him and the team management, who will be wondering about the next steps.”

Pathan also mentioned that the idea of reinstating Sanju Samson, who excelled as an opener before Gill claimed his spot, shouldn’t be viewed as a quick fix. “We must prevent the situation from deteriorating. If runs continue to elude Gill, bringing Sanju Samson back won't guarantee success if he's also out of form. Numerous questions arise. If they revert to Samson, it becomes crucial for him to produce runs,” he noted.

This year, in 19 T20Is, Suryakumar has only managed 201 runs at an average of 14.35 over 17 innings. Pathan advised that he should contemplate playing more shots to the offside.

“Surya is under pressure as captain, and as a captain, your position in the playing eleven is automatically secured. However, if you haven't scored runs in a year, it creates pressure. His form must improve before the World Cup. He requires the correct batting position and improved shot selection,” Pathan emphasized.

“Surya tends to play straight balls to the leg side, resulting in his dismissals. When runs aren’t coming, he should focus on playing to the offside and in front. He possesses the skill to bring the ball into his line of sight and utilize the pace; that's how he can start scoring again,” concluded Pathan.