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Gill’s T20 Comeback Sparks Debate: Is Samson Being Undervalued?
New Delhi: The inclusion of Shubman Gill as vice-captain in India’s T20 squad has ignited a debate about the team’s batting order and whether Sanju Samson is being unfairly sidelined. Gill’s return to the T20 team after a year-long absence, coupled with his relatively modest performance in the Asia Cup (127 runs at an average of 21.16), has drawn criticism from former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra.
Chopra argues that Samson, who was expected to open in T20s following Rohit Sharma’s apparent retirement from the format, is being treated unfairly. He points to the potential opening partnership of Abhishek Sharma and Samson, with both players demonstrating strong form. However, Gill’s promotion to captaincy consideration across all three formats has seemingly pushed Samson down the order, now slotted in at number five.
“You have wronged Sanju multiple times,” Chopra stated, questioning the selectors’ decision to not utilize Samson’s opening prowess. He emphasized that Gill needs to justify the faith shown in him, especially with the T20 World Cup on the horizon. The upcoming T20 series against Australia is crucial for Gill to solidify his position.
Chopra also highlighted the presence of Yashasvi Jaiswal, another strong contender for the opening slot, adding further complexity to the selection dilemma. While acknowledging Gill’s overall good form, Chopra noted the pressure mounting on him due to inconsistent performances in both T20s and ODIs. The question remains: Can Gill deliver and silence the critics, or will Samson or Jaiswal seize the opportunity?
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