After Shubman Gill comeback was bad, he got out for only four runs in the first T20I. Fans were disappointed and questioned his place in the team when the World Cup was near. His bad performance at most Indian venues has resulted in the suspicion of his consistency in high-pressure home matches again.
Gill’s Statistics Illustrate a Stark Contrast
Gill has 841 T20I runs at a 29 average and 140 strike-rate, yet his form collapses outside Ahmedabad despite one explosive 126 there. Gill has scored only 103 runs in seven innings in India apart from Ahmedabad. His average lowers to 14.7, and the effect of his presence fades away almost.
Supporters claim that his position is at the expense of Sanju Samson, who has been dropped without a glitch. Gill’s total of eight home innings makes the situation worse as India will be the hosts of the T20 World Cup soon. Opponents think that he should provide more stability and thus be a source of reliable starts when the team is in need. His away average is 27 with a strike-rate of 136, and therefore, he is somewhat inconsistent as well.
India Face a Major Decision at the Top Before World Cup
Two months to the T20 World Cup, India are at the crossroads of making a decision that is vital for their opening pair. Gill’s numbers are a source of worry to fans, as they expect him to perform better at home if he is a frontline opener. His fantastic performance at Ahmedabad alone cannot be the guide for India at a world event. The team needs openness, self-assurance and runs from the top order. Gill’s forthcoming matches may be the determining factor of his place in the World Cup squad.
Author’s Opinion
Gill should not wait for a long time to come out of his comfort zone as India need an opener who performs well everywhere and not just at Ahmedabad.
