Legendary Indian cricketer Sunil Gavaskar has voiced his astonishment at the omission of young batting star Shubman Gill from India's squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024. The surprise exclusion was announced during the BCCI's squad reveal at its headquarters on Saturday, sparking widespread debate.
Gavaskar's Surprise at Gill's Exclusion
Sunil Gavaskar did not mince words when reacting to the selection committee's decision to leave out Shubman Gill. Speaking to JioStar, the former India captain labeled the move as "surprising," highlighting Gill's inherent class and proven track record. Gavaskar acknowledged that the 25-year-old opener has faced a lean patch since returning from the Asia Cup, managing a highest score of only 47 across 15 innings, including a quiet series against South Africa.
However, Gavaskar firmly backed Gill's quality, reminding everyone that "class is permanent, and form is temporary." He suggested that the break after the Asia Cup might have disrupted Gill's rhythm, a crucial element in the fast-paced T20 format where batters must attack from the first ball.
The T20 Format Challenge and IPL Pedigree
Gavaskar provided a nuanced analysis of Gill's recent struggles. He pointed out that Gill's natural, grounded technique is perhaps more suited to the Test arena. "The shots needed in T20s don't come as easily," Gavaskar observed. Yet, he was quick to counter this by stating that Gill's exceptional performances in the Indian Premier League are clear proof that he is no stranger to the shortest format. The batting great concluded that it was ultimately a temporary loss of form and touch that cost Gill his place in the marquee tournament squad.
Ishan Kishan's Stellar Comeback Earns Reward
In Gill's absence, the team management reshuffled its plans, creating an opening for wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan to make a dramatic return to the T20I side for the first time since November 2023. Kishan's selection was built on the back of a phenomenal domestic season where he led Jharkhand to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Gavaskar heaped praise on Kishan, who amassed 517 runs in just 10 innings as the tournament's top scorer. "When you see someone performing, you pick him," Gavaskar stated, emphasizing the importance of domestic cricket in national selection beyond just IPL performances. He commended Kishan's consistency and his fantastic comeback after being out of the national setup for a couple of years.
Other Squad Changes and Jitesh Sharma's Omission
The selection meeting also led to other significant changes. The experienced Axar Patel was named the team's vice-captain. To bolster the middle order, the selectors recalled powerful left-hander Rinku Singh.
However, one exclusion that drew Gavaskar's sympathy was that of wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma. Gavaskar asserted that Jitesh had done nothing wrong to lose his spot and was a very capable gloveman. He notably mentioned that after MS Dhoni, Jitesh was perhaps the best at assisting the captain with DRS calls from behind the stumps. Gavaskar's advice to the young keeper was to return to domestic cricket, continue performing, and wait for his next opportunity.
Restructuring India's T20 Blueprint
The omission of a talent like Shubman Gill and the integration of in-form players like Ishan Kishan signify a period of restructuring for India's T20 strategy ahead of the World Cup. Gavaskar's insights underscore the perpetual challenges of maintaining form and fitness at the highest level. They also reinforce a vital lesson for aspiring cricketers: consistent performances in domestic cricket remain a powerful and respected pathway back into the national team.
