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The selection of Shubman Gill as vice-captain for the Asia Cup T20 squad has ignited debate, particularly given the recent success of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma as an opening pair. Their aggressive brand of cricket, characterized by high strike rates and numerous centuries, had seemingly solidified their position in the team. With India consistently crossing 200 runs in their matches, a well-oiled top order was in place, leading many to question the need for any disruption. The decision to recall Gill, especially with the added responsibility of vice-captaincy, signals a significant shift in strategy, suggesting that he will be immediately integrated into the playing XI. Critics argue that Gill's T20I record, while respectable, doesn't match the explosiveness of Jaiswal or the established form of Samson and Sharma. Gill's strike rate of 139 overall and 129 in his last seven innings contrasts with the ultra-aggressive approach India had been cultivating. This has led some to speculate that the BCCI intends to position Gill as the next all-format superstar, a successor to Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. However, former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta dismisses such notions, emphasizing Gill's undeniable talent and the difficulty of selecting from a pool of abundant T20 talent. Dasgupta argues that Gill's inclusion reflects the challenges of accommodating multiple deserving players, where valid reasons exist to both pick and exclude individuals. He advocates for a role-based selection process, prioritizing specific needs from each position, such as aggressive openers or reliable middle-order batsmen. This approach inevitably leads to difficult choices, as multiple players may be suitable for limited spots.
The rationale behind Gill's selection seems to stem from the absence of Virat Kohli's presence and the void of his anchoring role. For years, Kohli provided India with stability, capable of absorbing pressure, playing long innings, and allowing other batsmen to accelerate. This was evident in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where Kohli opened alongside Rohit Sharma, providing a crucial counterpoint to Sharma's explosiveness. In the final, when India faced early setbacks, Kohli's steady innings proved decisive. Gill appears destined to inherit this role, potentially even surpassing Kohli due to his ability to not only anchor but also accelerate. Dasgupta believes Gill can adapt to the situation, adjusting his game based on the match's demands. He points out that big tournaments often feature lower-scoring games, requiring batsmen who can build innings and bat through to the end. Gill's versatility makes him a perfect candidate for this, capable of adjusting his tempo as needed. Captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar have emphasized that Gill was always part of the plans, having served as vice-captain during Gambhir's coaching stint in Sri Lanka. Agarkar clarified that Samson and Abhishek were opportunistically used while Gill and Jaiswal were occupied with Test duties. This explanation, however, raises the question of where Gill will bat in the lineup.
Dasgupta predicts that Gill will open the innings, replacing Sanju Samson. He highlights the importance of a left-right combination at the top, suggesting that Abhishek Sharma's impressive performance warrants his continued inclusion. This leaves Samson vulnerable, despite his strong showing. Dasgupta suggests that Samson's versatility also allows him to bat lower in the order, but the need for a power hitter like Jitesh Sharma at number 5 or 6 means Samson could be on the bench. Jitesh can strike at an extremely high rate from the first ball, something deemed critical in the late overs. While Samson is capable of this, the selectors might opt for specialized roles. Dasgupta acknowledges the difficulty of this situation, emphasizing that everyone will get opportunities, highlighting that team requirements are the priority and must be communicated transparently. The underlying message is that Gill's recall is less about disrupting the current team dynamic and more about future-proofing the squad. As Sunil Gavaskar has stated, Gill is being groomed as a future captain, suggesting that his inclusion is part of a long-term plan. The emphasis on an 'anchor' may seem old-fashioned in modern T20 cricket, but players like Kohli and Ben Stokes have demonstrated its value. Where Samson and Abhishek prioritize aggression, Gill provides the insurance policy. The article concludes that India is betting on Gill to be the new stabilizer in the Asia Cup, continuing the strategic philosophy championed by Kohli.
Source: Why Shubman Gill for Asia Cup T20? With Virat Kohli gone, his idea endures