“He Was A Little Too Relaxed” – T20 WC Winner’s Bold Take On Shubman Gill Ahead Of IND vs PAK

Former India all-rounder and 2007 T20 World Cup winner Irfan Pathan said that vice-captain Shubman Gill appeared too relaxed, which contributed to his dismissal for just five runs off eight balls in India’s final group-stage match against Oman on Friday, September 19, in Abu Dhabi. Despite Gill’s ongoing struggle with form, India managed a 21-run win after posting 188.

Speaking on Sony Sports Network on Saturday, September 20, Pathan emphasized that there are no concerns regarding Gill’s technique and expressed optimism that he would return to form in the Super 4 clash against Pakistan on Sunday, September 21, in Dubai. He added:

“There is a need for runs, and the hope is that when playing against Pakistan, those runs will come because the feel-good factor is there. The team and management have given him stability. There is no doubt in this. You have been made vice-captain. A year ago you were playing. You had a big break in T20 cricket, coming back into the international team. If you score runs, you will feel much better, and I don’t think runs are far.”

“The only thing is, yesterday against Oman, he looked a little too relaxed, which was clearly visible. Otherwise, the work he had done on his hand, his leg, and the gap between hip and hand against the left-arm bowler had paid off. If the same thing happens again, it’s not a technical fault—maybe a mental switch. He played a slightly wider ball. He will come back and I feel he will score runs,” he added.

“T20 Isn’t His Natural Game” – Abhishek Nayar On Shubman Gill’s Struggles

In the same discussion, former India assistant coach Abhishek Nayar acknowledged that T20s are Shubman Gill’s least natural format, but added that the 26-year-old is only one strong innings away from regaining his top form. He remarked:

“Early in his career, T20s weren’t his natural format, as the focus was on building big innings and the format itself was new. While his strength was always there, he initially took time to play big shots, especially at KKR. Over time, he improved tactically without major technical changes.”

“I believe he’s just one good T20 innings away from returning to form. Once that happens, consistent runs will follow, even on challenging pitches,” he added.