Shubman Gill’s Lean Patch Raises Concerns; Expert Urges Sanju Samson To Be On Standby

Former Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has said that Shubman Gill urgently needs to score runs in T20Is to ensure that he cements his spot in India’s squad for the T20 World Cup, adding that Sanju Samson should be ready to get back into the team if Gill’s poor run continues.

Gill’s struggles have continued in the ongoing five-match T20I series against South Africa, where he hasn’t been able to get going in either outings till now. He managed only four runs in the opener before falling for a first-ball duck in the second game.

Gill, who made a comeback to the T20I set-up as vice-captain during the Asia Cup, has totalled 181 runs in the last 10 matches at a strike rate below 140.

“The main topic is of Shubman Gill. He is the vice-captain and the World

Cup is nearing. But runs are not coming, and he is struggling for form. He must make runs if he is to cement his spot in the T20I side, else he will be under more pressure,” Irfan said while speaking on his YouTube channel.

“Gill got out for a first-ball duck in the second T20I, but it isn’t his game to step out and play as he did in the first match. Whenever he doesn’t make runs, the pressure will pile on because Sanju Samson is currently benched,” Irfan said.

“If Sanju Samson is brought into the side and doesn’t make runs, then India will be in a catch-22 situation. But if India are backing Shubman Gill for the World Cup, he must make runs,” Irfan added. 

The former Indian cricketer noted that Samson should remain ready, as the team management could turn to him if Gill’s lean patch persists. Irfan added that Gill will find runs again once he gets back to playing his natural game.