Amid Shubman Gill's recent struggles in T20Is, former Indian cricketers and analysts are suggesting a strategic break for the young batter to ease the pressure and allow him to regain his form. Gill, who currently serves as the vice-captain in the T20I format and captains the Test and ODI sides, has been under scrutiny due to inconsistent performances.
Mohammad Kaif, a former Indian cricketer, voiced his opinion on a YouTube channel, suggesting that Gill might benefit from being rested during the ongoing five-match series against South Africa. Kaif pointed out Gill's struggles with consistency, particularly in the middle order, where he has often been caught attempting overly aggressive shots or mistiming deliveries. According to Kaif, giving Gill a break would allow the team to explore other options and give opportunities to players who have proven their mettle. He specifically mentioned Sanju Samson, who he believes hasn't received adequate chances despite demonstrating strong performances.
Gautam Gambhir, also a former India opener and captain, has weighed in on the situation, expressing concerns about the frequent changes in India's top-order batting lineup. Gambhir emphasized the importance of stabilizing the top three positions, which include key players like Gill and Suryakumar Yadav, to provide the team with a solid foundation. He suggested that flexibility in the batting order should only be applied after the first six overs, once the initial platform has been set. Gambhir cautioned that constant experimentation could be detrimental to India's performance, especially in high-pressure situations and major tournaments.
The discussion around Gill's form comes at a crucial time, with the T20 World Cup approaching in 2026, which will be hosted by India and Sri Lanka. While Gill has shown promise in patches, his recent scores have intensified the debate about his place in the playing XI. Since returning for the Asia Cup 2025, his performance in the T20I format has remained below expectations. In the ongoing series against South Africa, Gill's low scores of 4 and 0 have further fueled the discussions.
Despite these concerns, there are arguments for continuing to support Gill. India's coaching staff has noted visible improvements in Gill's intent and mindset, even if his scores haven't reflected it yet. Assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate highlighted Gill's aggressive and composed innings against Australia, where he scored an unbeaten 29 off 16 balls before rain interrupted the match. The coaching group believes that Gill is on the right track and needs more time in the middle to translate these positive signs into substantial scores.
Furthermore, Gill has been entrusted with significant leadership responsibilities, including captaining the Test and ODI sides and serving as the T20I vice-captain. This indicates that the team management values him as a future leader and sees his role as part of a long-term plan to groom him into an all-format captain. Removing him from the team now could disrupt the succession strategy and create uncertainty in leadership.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to give Gill a break or continue backing him will depend on a careful evaluation of his form, his mental state, and the team's overall strategy. While a temporary break could help him regain his confidence and focus, continued opportunities could allow him to work through his struggles and maintain stability at the top of the order.
