“Many runs weren’t scored” - Aakash Chopra gives his verdict on Shubman Gill

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has opined on the Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill’s form in the recently concluded five-match T20I series against Australia, which India won by 2-1.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra asserted that many runs weren’t scored by Gill as two matches ended in no result when the opener was on strike, adding that the tour ended like a damp squib for Gill.

"Shubman Gill was batting really well in Canberra, and it rained. After that, he was batting well in the last match in Brisbane, and it rained. Rain came both times he was actually batting well. He looked to be in good form many times in this series, but those many runs weren't scored," Chopra said.

"This tour was like a damp squib for him, where it was expected that he would stamp his authority, but that didn't happen. In fact, he has come back with just question marks everywhere. I, personally, don't feel there are question marks. The home series will give us a little more insight, but the questions will remain because the Indian team plays cricket like that," he added.

While Shubman Gill ended the T20I series as the second-leading run-scorer with 132 runs from five games, his partner Abhishek Sharma emerged as the leading run-scorer with 163 runs from five innings, winning the player of the series award.

"It was a very difficult question as to how he (Abhishek) would play, whether his playing style would work in Australia. Can you even play like that there? He said it doesn't make a difference, whether (Josh) Hazlewood is there or not, that he would throw his bat, whether (Xavier) Bartlett, (Nathan) Ellis, or whoever else comes," he stated.

"Of course, luck favored him a little, but luck favors the brave. When he went to Australia, he went as the No. 1 batter in the T20I rankings, but the truth is that until someone hits Australia in Australia, they aren't considered No. 1. So, the way Abhishek Sharma batted, he has been very good. The rise and rise of Abhishek Sharma is beautiful to watch," he concluded.

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