Irfan Pathan cautioned Shubman Gill to score consistently in T20Is, warning that pressure will mount with Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting in the wings.
Shubman Gill began the T20I series against Australia with promise, scoring an unbeaten 37 off 20 balls at the Manuka Oval in Canberra. However, his form dipped in the second T20I at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday, October 31, where he managed only five runs.
The Punjab batter was appointed vice-captain of the Indian T20I team ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup. But despite his leadership potential, Gill has struggled to convert starts into big scores. Over his last nine T20I innings, the right-hander has scored just 164 runs at an average of 23.43.
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Following India’s four-wicket loss in the second T20I, 2007 T20 World Cup winner Irfan Pathan shared his thoughts on Gill’s ongoing struggles. Pathan said that while selectors and management have shown faith in Gill’s abilities, the youngster has yet to repay it with consistent performances.
Pathan Wants Gill To Perform
“Coming to Shubman Gill — look, Shubman replaced Sanju Samson, who had scored three centuries as an opener, to open for India in T20Is. Gill has potential, leadership quality, and has scored a lot in the IPL. But he has to perform. In the last ten innings, he hasn’t even scored 200 runs in total. So the pressure will build on him. He’s getting opportunities and backing, but he has to convert that into performances — which we haven’t seen yet,” said Pathan on his YouTube channel.
Pathan further pointed out that Gill’s spot could come under threat if he fails to deliver, especially with the talented Yashasvi Jaiswal waiting for his turn.
“You have Yashasvi Jaiswal — a fantastic T20 player. We’ve seen him in the IPL with a strike rate of 160. If he’s sitting out while Gill keeps getting regular chances and doesn’t deliver, then the pressure will be on both him and the team. Gill needs to score consistently. Otherwise, Yashasvi — who’s not playing ODI cricket right now or T20s for India — a player that talented, who can do wonders, even score 200 in ODIs — it’s a problem that such a player is on the bench,” Pathan added.
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India will hope for Gill to rediscover his rhythm as the five-match T20I series continues, with the third game scheduled in Hobart on Sunday.
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