Salman Butt, a former Pakistan skipper, believes Shubman Gill is not fulfilling his potential after being left out of India’s playing XI in the second T20I against Afghanistan.
Butt has provided insights into Gill’s struggles in T20Is, expressing concern over the talented Indian batsman’s approach. Gill, who was initially brought in as a temporary T20I opener in the absence of Virat Kohli, faced criticism for a lapse in concentration that led to Rohit Sharma’s dismissal in the second T20I against Afghanistan.
Butt stated, ‘I think Shubman Gill has not been living up to his potential in the last few games. He is an extremely talented player and has a lot of skill, but he has been too hasty in his approach.’ Butt emphasized the need for Gill to display patience and avoid playing reckless shots after getting a good start, urging him to bat without trying to do anything extraordinary.
In the first T20I, with Kohli and Yashasvi Jaiswal absent, Gill opened the innings but failed to fully capitalize on his start, eventually getting out for 23 off 12 balls. However, with Kohli and Jaiswal returning for the second T20I, Gill was dropped from the playing XI. Jaiswal impressed with a remarkable performance, scoring 68 runs off 34 balls and solidifying his position as Rohit Sharma’s opening partner.
As India heads into the series decider against Afghanistan in Indore with a 2-0 lead, Jaiswal is expected to retain his place at the top of the order alongside Rohit Sharma in the third and final T20I.