Indian cricketer Irfan Pathan has emphasized the importance of consistent scoring by Shubman Gill in T20 International matches. Pathan expressed concerns that Gill’s lackluster performance is sidelining the talented Yashasvi Jaiswal. Gill was given the role of opener for India during the recent Asia Cup, displacing Sanju Samson from the position. However, Gill’s track record shows only 169 runs in nine matches this year, with a recent failure in the Melbourne T20I against Australia where he scored only 5 runs off 10 balls.
Pathan, speaking on his YouTube channel, acknowledged Gill’s potential, leadership qualities, and successful runs in the IPL but highlighted his underperformance in T20Is. The former all-rounder believes that Gill is under pressure to convert his promising starts into substantial scores.
Addressing the issue of Jaiswal being benched, Pathan emphasized the need for Gill to deliver consistently to justify his continuous selection over Jaiswal, a player with significant T20 capabilities. Pathan stressed that leaving a talent like Jaiswal on the sidelines while Gill struggles to perform creates pressure for both the player and the team.
The upcoming challenge for India will be the third T20I against Australia on Sunday, November 2. Pathan’s comments come as a reflection on the current scenario ahead of the crucial match.