'If he does not perform...': R Ashwin issues blunt review as Shubman Gill struggles in T20Is

Shubman Gill's recent struggles with the bat have created a selection headache for India as the T20 World Cup approaches. With just seven T20Is remaining before the tournament, the pressure is on the vice-captain to find form, especially with Sanju Samson waiting in the wings. Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has weighed in, calling for a fair assessment of Gill's performances.

Gill's place in the team is under scrutiny after a series of low scores, including 4, 0, and 28 not out. He had returned to the T20 side after recovering from a neck injury that sidelined him during the ODI series against South Africa. The presence of Sanju Samson on the bench is adding fuel to the debate about India's ideal team composition.

Ashwin emphasized the complexities of deciding on a vice-captain's role. Speaking on ‘Ash ki Baat,’ he stated that dropping a vice-captain is not a simple decision and should only be considered after giving the player a fair opportunity to prove himself. He stressed the importance of impactful batting from Gill in the remaining matches.

While Gill had a successful tour of England, scoring over 700 runs, his form since then has been inconsistent. Apart from a century against the West Indies (129), he has struggled to replicate that success. His T20I form has been a particular concern, with 127 runs in seven Asia Cup matches and 132 runs in five games in Australia, including a highest score of 47. These inconsistent performances have raised questions about India's final XI for the World Cup.

Ashwin believes that India's bowling plans are largely settled, but the batting lineup still needs fine-tuning. He highlighted the importance of knowing the best XI and squad at this stage. He also acknowledged Harshit Rana's good performances. He posed the question of whether to persist with Gill despite his current form or give Samson a chance. He further cautioned against a slow strike rate from Gill, emphasizing the need for impactful batting in the lead-up to the World Cup. The pressure is now on Gill to regain his form and solidify his place in the team before the tournament begins on February 7.