Overview:
In 2025, Gill scored 263 runs in 14 T20I innings at an average of 23.90 and a strike rate of 142.93, without a half-century.
Mohammad Kaif wants the team management to give Shubman Gill a break from T20Is and consider other top performers. He commented after India suffered a 51-run loss in the second T20I against South Africa on December 11 in New Chandigarh.
As the Men in Blue suffered a batting collapse, Gill’s performance came under scrutiny, falling for a duck after amassing four runs in the series opener in Cuttack. Kaif said that Gill hasn’t been able to score despite trying everything, and the vice-captains have been benched in the past. He added that the decision-makers should consider bringing in someone like Sanju Samson, who has scored runs consistently.
“Gill has tried everything. He is being caught in the slip and is mistiming his strokes after stepping out to hit big shots. The time has come to give him a break and try other players. Sanju Samson is a top player, and he hasn’t been given a consistent run. There shouldn’t be double standards, and vice-captains have been dropped in the past. If it is in the best interest of the team to bench Gill and give a chance to someone else, there is nothing wrong,” he said.
“The time has come to make changes. You dropped Jaiswal and kept Samson on the bench without giving them consistent chances. Samson scored three T20I hundreds in five innings, a record never achieved before. Some players are part of the team for a few matches, while others get extended run because you want them to secure their places in the team. The pressure has increased, and it is time for a change,” he added.
In 2025, Gill scored 263 runs in 14 T20I innings at an average of 23.90 and a strike rate of 142.93, without a half-century.