Shubman Gill T20I Spot Under Threat, Says Ashwin
Shubman Gill T20I spot — India batter Shubman Gill faces scrutiny after another underwhelming showing in the five-match T20I series against Australia, where he managed just 132 runs in five innings while opening alongside Abhishek Sharma.
Ashwin Suggests “Fire and Ice” Opening Pair
Former India all-rounder Ravichandran Ashwin has suggested that Gill’s position could be in jeopardy, advocating for Yashasvi Jaiswal to open with Abhishek Sharma instead. Speaking on his YouTube show Ash Ki Baat, Ashwin described Abhishek and Jaiswal as India’s most aggressive openers in the format.
“Abhishek Sharma and Jaiswal are the most aggressive openers in India right now. If you want two attacking options, they are your guys. But if you want some balance—fire and ice—then Abhishek is fire, and Shubman is ice,” Ashwin explained.
Shubman Gill’s Struggles Continue
Gill’s lean patch extends beyond the Australia series; he also struggled at the Asia Cup 2025, despite India clinching the title. His T20I strike rate and consistency have become a talking point ahead of the South Africa T20I series starting in December.
Selectors Likely To Experiment Before T20 World Cup
With the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, Ashwin expects selectors to rotate and test different opening combinations.
“As we move closer to the World Cup, I think the team will see changes—maybe even big ones. Others will definitely get opportunities,” he added.
India’s T20I selection debates now center around whether Gill can retain his place or if the youthful duo of Abhishek and Jaiswal will usher in a new opening era.
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