Shubman Gill’s struggles in T20 international cricket have once again come under sharp focus as India prepare for the next T20 World Cup. Despite continued backing from the team management, the young opener’s lack of impact in the shortest format has sparked intense debate during the ongoing T20I series against South Africa. So let’s know about Shubman Gill T20I struggles.
India’s heavy defeat in the second T20I further highlighted concerns around Gill’s role, approach, and consistency at the top of the order.
A Lean Run That Refuses to End
Gill’s return to the T20I setup in 2025 has not delivered the expected results. After being dismissed for a duck in Mullanpur and scoring just four in the series opener at Cuttack, his poor run continued.
So far this year, Gill has accumulated only 263 runs from 14 innings at an average of 23.90, with a strike rate of 142.93. Alarmingly, he is yet to register a single half-century in T20Is in 2025 — a worrying statistic for a player of his calibre.
Vice-Captaincy Pressure a Factor?
India’s assistant coach Ryan ten Doeschate offered an unexpected explanation for Gill’s struggles, suggesting that increased responsibility may have worked against him.
According to Doeschate, Gill carried the weight of leadership from his successful Test captaincy stint into the T20 format, making him overly cautious at the crease.
“He took a lot of pride in how he led in England, and that responsibility seemed to carry over into T20s. If anything, he was too caring and perhaps a bit too tight,” Doeschate said after India’s defeat in the second T20I.
Success in Tests, Struggles in T20s
While Gill thrived as Test captain — smashing a record 754 runs in five matches — his elevation to T20I vice-captain raised eyebrows. His return coincided with India breaking up their aggressive opening pair of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, a duo that had flourished following India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph.
Gill’s inability to dominate from the outset has led to questions about whether his natural game fits India’s ultra-attacking T20 blueprint.
Samson’s Absence Adds to the Debate
Sanju Samson’s continued absence from the playing XI has only intensified the scrutiny. Since the 2024 T20 World Cup, Samson has scored 417 runs in 13 innings at a blistering strike rate of 182, including three centuries.
In comparison, Gill has managed 506 runs in 21 innings at a strike rate of 136 during the same period. Despite this contrast, Samson has been sidelined, adding to criticism around selection consistency.
Management Stands Firm on Gill
Despite mounting pressure, the team management has reiterated that Gill does not need to “justify his place.” Doeschate pointed to encouraging signs during India’s Australia tour, where Gill registered two scores above 30 in five matches.
The focus, according to the coaching staff, is to help Gill play with more freedom and reduce the mental burden that comes with leadership.
Pressure Builds Ahead of Crucial Clash
Gill already leads India in the other two formats and captains an IPL franchise, leaving little room for mental respite. With scrutiny growing and alternatives waiting on the bench, the upcoming third T20I against South Africa in Dharamsala could prove crucial for the Punjab batter.
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