Sun Dec 14 13:10:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text and a rewrite as a news article:
Summary:
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif is advocating for Sanju Samson to open for India in the third T20I against South Africa, replacing Shubman Gill. Kaif criticizes Gill’s recent performances, stating that being vice-captain shouldn’t guarantee his place in the team, especially when talented players like Samson are being overlooked. Kaif highlights Samson’s impressive T20I record in 2024 as an opener. He believes Gill is overburdened with responsibilities across formats and that it’s time to give deserving players opportunities, even if it means dropping a vice-captain.
News Article:
Kaif Calls for Samson to Replace Gill in T20I Opener Against South Africa
Mumbai, December 13, 2025 – Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif has ignited debate by urging the team management to replace struggling opener Shubman Gill with Sanju Samson for the upcoming third T20I against South Africa.
Kaif didn’t mince words, stating that Gill’s recent disappointing performances don’t warrant his continued inclusion in the playing XI, despite his role as vice-captain. He argued that past precedent exists for dropping vice-captains for the good of the team.
“Look at the way Shubman Gill is getting out,” Kaif stated on his YouTube channel. “He’s throwing his wicket away… It’s time to give him a rest and bring in deserving players.”
Kaif pointed to Samson’s impressive T20I form in 2024, where he scored three centuries as an opener. He lamented that Samson was shifted down the batting order, seemingly to accommodate Gill, and then dropped altogether when Jitesh Sharma was made wicket-keeper.
“Sanju Samson hasn’t received enough opportunities. You can’t have this double standard. Some players get endless chances to stay in the team,” Kaif emphasized. He also suggested that Gill may be burdened by captaincy duties and he needs to have less tasks.
With the T20 World Cup just six months away, Kaif believes it’s crucial to give players like Samson a fair run in the team to solidify the squad. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has yet to comment on Kaif’s suggestions.
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