Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes that young batting sensation Shubman Gill is poised to face significant pressure during the upcoming five-match T20 International series against Australia. This isn’t just because of his underwhelming performance in the recent Asia Cup, but also due to the fierce competition he faces from fellow talents like Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson.
Chopra emphasized that head coach Gautam Gambhir’s strategic blueprint for the T20 World Cup will be under close observation throughout this series, particularly given the contentious decision to bypass both Samson and Jaiswal for the coveted opening position.
Shubman Gill (AP Photo/James Elsby)
Gill, making his return to T20Is after a year-long absence, endured a rather disappointing run during the Asia Cup campaign. The 25-year-old, who has also been appointed as India’s T20I vice-captain and is considered by the BCCI as a potential future leader in the format, could only accumulate a modest 127 runs across seven innings, averaging a mere 21.16.
His re-inclusion notably displaced Sanju Samson from the opening slot, despite Samson’s impressive performances over the past year, which included three centuries. Consequently, Samson was relegated further down the batting order, often without a clearly defined or consistent role.
Chopra articulated his view that Gill’s comeback came at an unfair expense to Samson, underscoring the imperative for the opener to now unequivocally justify the team’s unwavering faith in him. “This series holds immense importance for Shubman Gill,” Chopra stated on his popular YouTube channel. “He didn’t make a significant impact even when he was handed the ODI captaincy either. While I acknowledge it was just one series and we shouldn’t jump to conclusions, he absolutely must deliver impactful performances now.”
The seasoned former batter further highlighted the burgeoning competition within the squad. “There are other skilled players eagerly awaiting their turn,” he remarked. “Sanju Samson, who had previously excelled as an opener, is now being asked to bat in the middle order. This feels somewhat unjust to him, and it inevitably adds an extra layer of pressure on Gill.”
Chopra concluded by noting that Jaiswal’s presence further intensifies this competitive environment. “Yashasvi Jaiswal is also patiently waiting,” he added. “He undoubtedly believes he deserves an opportunity and is capable of performing if given the chance. So, even the mere presence of Jaiswal on the bench creates significant pressure.”