Shubman Gill Struggles as T20I Opener
As India prepares for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Shubman Gill’s inconsistent form in T20Is is raising questions about his place as an opener.
As India gears up to defend their T20 World Cup title in 2026, a key question arises - can Shubman Gill provide the consistency and firepower needed at the top? Though the Punjab batter is a vital player across formats, his T20I performances since returning in September 2025 show a worrying trend that needs quick attention.
The stats paint a worrying picture. Since his T20I return in September, Shubman Gill has scored only 170 runs in ten innings, averaging 24.14 with a strike rate of 148.24. His struggles have been most evident on the current Australia tour, where he’s found it hard to handle the pacers and build momentum during the powerplay.
Gill Exposed in Asia Cup 2025
In the Asia Cup 2025, Gill managed 127 runs in seven matches, averaging 21.17 with a strike rate of 155.40. Though he showed flashes of brilliance - notably his 47 off 28 balls against Pakistan in the Super Four, where he shared a record 105-run opening stand with Abhishek Sharma - his overall campaign exposed a lack of consistency, marked by frequent early dismissals in most games.
The trend is evident - Gill has immense talent but falls short in converting starts into match-winning knocks, something India’s T20I top order urgently needs. His career strike rate, hovering in the mid-140s, is steady but not enough when compared to the explosive pace of today’s powerplay hitters. Despite a strong IPL 2025 season, he’s yet to replicate that dominance on the international stage.
Inform Sanju Samson replaced by Gill
Enter Sanju Samson - a strong contender with impressive T20I opening credentials. As an opener, Samson averages around 33 with a strike rate close to 180, figures that clearly outshine Gill’s record. While Gill’s solid technique sometimes leads to cautious starts in the powerplay, Samson’s fearless stroke play and front-foot aggression consistently deliver the kind of explosive openings that fuel successful World Cup runs.
The strategic equation goes beyond individual numbers. Promoting Samson to the top not only strengthens India’s batting but also solves the wicketkeeping dilemma, removing unnecessary overlap in the squad. It would free up an extra slot for a bowler - a valuable advantage in tournaments where tactical flexibility often decides outcomes.
Team building for T20 World Cup
With the 2026 T20 World Cup set to be played on home soil, India can’t afford to make selections based on sentiment. While Gill’s long-term value across formats is undeniable, T20 cricket demands impact and adaptability in specific phases. His continued struggles against top-quality new-ball bowling - whether it’s pace in Australia or spin-friendly conditions in Asia - raise valid concerns about whether he’s best suited for the opening role.
India now faces a clear choice - continue investing in Gill’s long-term T20I development or focus on immediate World Cup success by backing a specialist opener whose numbers already prove he’s ready for the big stage.