New Delhi: Former Indian cricketers have expressed concern over the current T20I batting setup, focusing on vice-captain Shubman Gill and captain Suryakumar Yadav, with Gautam Gambhir weighing in on strategic concerns.
Mohammad Kaif suggested that Shubman Gill may need a break from the ongoing five-match series against South Africa. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Kaif noted that Gill has struggled with consistency in the middle-order, often attempting aggressive strokes but getting caught or mistiming deliveries. “Even vice-captains have been dropped before. If it is in the team’s interest to rest Gill and try other options, there is nothing wrong with it,” Kaif said. He also criticized what he sees as unequal opportunities for players, pointing out that others, like Sanju Samson, have not been given enough chances despite strong performances.
India’s T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, is under scrutiny for a prolonged slump in form. Former India batter Aakash Chopra highlighted that Yadav has scored only 227 runs in 20 innings since November last year, averaging 13.35, with minimal impact at the top of the order. “You are the captain and a top-order batter. Scoring runs consistently is vital, especially with the T20 World Cup approaching,” Chopra said, stressing the need for Yadav to regain form ahead of the 2026 tournament in India and Sri Lanka.
Gautam Gambhir, former India opener and captain, voiced concerns over India’s frequent tinkering with the top order. He argued that the top three positions, which include key players like Gill and Yadav, must be fixed to provide stability, while flexibility should be applied only after the first six overs. Gambhir warned that constant experimentation could hurt India in high-pressure situations and major tournaments.
India started the series with a dominant 101-run win in the first T20I but were humbled in the second, failing to chase a 214-run target and losing by 51 runs. With the third T20I set for Sunday in Dharamsala, experts insist that key players like Gill and Suryakumar Yadav must find form and stability for India to maintain momentum and prepare effectively for the World Cup.
