Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has sparked fresh debate around India’s T20I selection, urging head coach Gautam Gambhir and the team management to consider resting Shubman Gill from the shortest format. The discussion comes after Gill’s underwhelming performances in the ongoing T20I series against South Africa, where the opener has managed scores of 4 0 and 28 in the first three matches.
Gill recently returned to the T20I setup after recovering from a neck injury and was reinstated as vice-captain, a move that raised eyebrows after Sanju Samson was sidelined despite impressive performances last year. Since his comeback during the Asia Cup, Gill has struggled to find form in T20Is and has not registered a single half-century, prompting questions about his role and consistency in the format.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif suggested that Gill should be rested for the remaining matches rather than being formally dropped. He stressed that the team must give opportunities to other players ahead of the upcoming T20 World Cup, particularly Sanju Samson, who has been in and out of the side despite delivering strong performances whenever given chances. Kaif also highlighted the frustration among players who see prolonged opportunities being extended to one batter while others are removed after a few low scores.
In the third T20I at Dharamsala, Gill showed brief intent during the powerplay but slowed down significantly after the fall of Abhishek Sharma, eventually being dismissed by Marco Jansen for a run-a-ball 28. Kaif believes the management has delayed the decision for too long and that the time has now come to take a clear call, especially with only seven T20Is remaining before the World Cup.
India are scheduled to play two more matches against South Africa followed by a five-match T20I series against New Zealand. The squad for the New Zealand series and the T20 World Cup is expected to be announced soon, making the next few games crucial for finalizing combinations and roles.