Shubman Gill left the field in disbelief as he recorded his first-ever international golden duck in the second T20I against South Africa. Lungi Ngidi exposed his precarious footwork and India felt pressure early on in a huge chase. The moment set off loud alarms, with the T20 World Cup terrifyingly close.
A brutal start and a worrying pattern
Gill smashed the fifth ball of the innings as he prepared for a quiet start. Ngidi threw the ball on a hard length and got going very late. Shubman Gill came out of the crease to play the shot, but couldn’t help but let the ball look to Reeza Hendricks, who made an excellent catch. The dismissal looked like a classic Testing error, rather than a T20 setup failure.
This golden duck contributed to Gill’s T20 decline. His strike rate fell this year despite a strong Test season. India supported him heavily and even promoted him Sanju Samson. That decision now seems risky, as there are only eight matches left for the World Cup.
Gill’s poor returns are in stark contrast Abishek Sharmas electric form. Abhishek dominated the attacks, hitting 48 sixes and scoring freely in powerplays. Gill’s slow starts, low boundary count and tentative strokeplay now pose a threat to India’s favorite opening combination.
Selection pressure is increasing before the World Cup
India faces a difficult task. Their long-term captaincy idea around Gill clashes with his current form. Gambhir needs a fearless opener who attacks early. Gill has not had that impact, and India cannot afford a cautious start in a high-scoring World Cup. of Samson consistency and Abhishek’s aggression make the competition even fiercer. Gill is now in a shrinking window, and each failure increases his control. India may reconsider roles if he fails to fire in the remaining matches.
The author’s opinion
Gill needs to reset quickly. His talent is proven, but India need urgency and clarity before the World Cup window closes completely.
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