As it now appears almost certain that Shubman Gill will open the batting for India in the Asia Cup 2025, concerns have emerged regarding his ability to adapt to the high-risk tempo that defines the current Indian T20I team. However, former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has expressed confidence that Shubman Gill possesses the attributes required to seamlessly adjust to whatever role the team demands of him as he returns to the T20I set-up after a year-long absence.
Shubman Gill has been named vice-captain of the T20I side for the Asia Cup. While his return was widely anticipated, his elevation as deputy to Suryakumar Yadav has all but confirmed his place in the starting XI.
This development, however, means India will have to break up a successful opening partnership between Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, a duo that has epitomised India’s fearless T20I batting approach at the top of the order. Since the last T20 World Cup, Abhishek and Samson have scored five centuries between them, amassing 535 and 487 runs respectively, both at a strike rate exceeding 170.
For now, Abhishek Sharma looks assured of a place in the XI. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar virtually confirmed as much during the squad announcement last month. The left-handed opener has personified modern T20 batting, combining audacity with intent and consistently providing India with explosive starts.
Shubman Gill, on the other hand, has traditionally been more circumspect in the initial stages of his innings. Unlike Abhishek and Samson, Shubman Gill has not always shown the inclination to attack from the very first ball. Instead, he has preferred a measured, risk-free approach early on before shifting gears later.
Indeed, Shubman Gill struck at 155 and scored over 600 runs in the 2025 IPL season. While this demonstrates that he possesses multiple gears in T20 batting, it remains to be seen whether he can make the mental shift required to play without fear of failure in a fiercely competitive international set-up.
Shubman Gill has scored 578 runs in 21 T20Is at an average of 30.42. 170 runs from his bat have come against Zimbabwe in five innings at an average of 42.50. He has scored 144 runs in three innings against New Zealand at an average of 72 and 131 runs in five innings against Sri Lanka at an average of 26.20. Apart from this, he has scored 102 runs in five innings against West Indies at an average of 20.40.
Shubman Gill’s return as T20 vice-captain ahead of Asia Cup would do a ‘world of good’ to the Indian team in the longer run, said former all-rounder Irfan Pathan on Tuesday, adding that the 25-year-old will look to prove a point with his aggressive batting. Shubman Gill made a comeback to the shortest format for the continental tournament following a successful debut series as Test captain, and Pathan said it isn’t something that would put pressure on incumbent leader Suryakumar Yadav.
Irfan Pathan makes a shocking statement regarding Shubman Gill becoming an all -format player ahead of Asia Cup 2025
Former Indian cricket team all-rounder Irfan Pathan gave a clear verdict on Shubman Gill playing all formats for the national side. There has been a lot of chatter over Gill getting picked as the vice-captain fo Asia Cup 2025. While Shubman Gill excelled in the first series as Test captain, there were questions asked over whether he will be able to play all three formats with equal brilliance.
Pathan was asked if Shubman Gill would go through a lean period like Virat Kohli did while playing all the three formats. The all-rounder gave a clear answer and said that it is too early to start that conversation involving Gill.
“Virat Kohli is a great player. He has been a match-winner. But he was averaging 15 batting first. And there are certain things that were not going his way. But it is not like he is not a good player if he did not perform at that time. He has won games for India for years.
Tomorrow, if Shubman does not perform, if his average is also 15 for an entire year, and he is still with the team, then we will talk. For now, he was the vice-captain before as well, but no one questioned that when he went out. Now he is back, which was his place,” he said during an interaction organised by Sony Sports Network.
Shubman Gill last played in the shortest format of the sport just ahead of the T20 World Cup in 2024. However, Pathan believes that Gill has improved his T20 game a lot and will not find it difficult to adapt to the format and play aggressively for the Indian cricket team.
“I think Shubman Gill has improved his T20 cricket a lot. What we have seen this season, the way he played, the amount of runs he scored, and few seasons in the IPL as well. There was a time I remember when he started, when he played for KKR, I vaguely remember his strike-rate was about 125ish. And then suddenly he jumped to 150. Last year’s IPL was 150 plus and he was consistently scoring runs as well,” he said.
“Now the Indian team has gone to a higher strike-rate, they want to be very aggressive. So I don’t think there should be an issue for Shubman Gill to start playing an aggressive role and do what the team demands of him,” he added.
Shubman Gill returns to the T20I fold with impressive overall numbers – 578 runs in 21 matches at a strike rate of 139.27. Having tasted success with the bat in his maiden series as Test captain in England, the youngster will be high on confidence as he aims to cement his role in the T20I team in the build-up to next year’s World Cup.
The Men in Blue will kick off their Asia Cup campaign against the UAE on September 10, while the high-voltage game against arch-rivals Pakistan is scheduled for September 14, with both fixtures set to be played in Dubai. Meanwhile, Suryakumar Yadav and Co. will play their final group stage fixture against Oman on September 19 in Abu Dhabi.
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