Shubman Gill’s rise in Indian cricket has been nothing short of impressive. Across formats, he has shown composure, class, and consistency that few batters of his generation possess. Yet, despite his undeniable talent, one question continues to spark debate: Is Shubman Gill the right choice to open for India in T20 internationals?
When we move past reputation and look at numbers, the answer becomes uncomfortable.
Gill’s T20I Numbers as an Opener
Among India’s current T20 opening options, Shubman Gill has the lowest average. Despite playing more innings than most of his competitors, he remains the only opener with an average below 30.
Players like Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Ruturaj Gaikwad have all delivered stronger returns at the top of the order, combining intent with consistency, a crucial requirement in modern T20 cricket.
Recent Form Raises Further Concerns
Gill’s numbers since his return to the T20I setup only strengthen the case against him as an opener. In 14 innings, he has scored 263 runs at an average below 24. While his strike rate has seen a slight improvement, T20 success at the top is measured by impact, not aesthetics.
The Pressure of Being India’s “Next Superstar”
However, this debate isn’t about criticizing Shubman Gill. In fact, it may be India doing him a disservice. With Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma stepping away from two formats, Gill has been positioned, by selectors, broadcasters, and even advertisers, as the next face of Indian cricket.
That kind of expectation brings pressure. Being asked to dominate all formats, especially T20s, to fill the void left by King Kohli across all formats, does not allow a player the freedom to grow naturally.
Why Dropping Gill as a T20 Opener Makes Sense
Removing Shubman Gill from the T20 opening role shouldn’t be seen as a demotion. Instead, it could be a course correction, one that benefits both India’s T20 setup and Gill’s long-term development.
India has multiple aggressive opening options better suited to T20 cricket. Allowing Gill to step away from that responsibility might actually help him rediscover his best self, without the burden of unrealistic comparisons.
Sometimes, the smartest move is not forcing greatness, but letting it grow naturally.
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