If the runs don't come from Gill, then they'll have to look at Sanju Samson: Aakash Chopra

Former Indian cricketer and commentator Aakash Chopra has stated that the Indian T20I vice-captain, Shubman Gill, will not be immediately axed despite not scoring runs in the shortest format of the game.

Speaking exclusively on ESPNCricinfo, Chopra asserted that Gill will continue to get his chances in the ongoing five-match South Africa series. However, if he fails to score good enough runs in the ongoing series, Sanju Samson might come in for the upcoming New Zealand series.

"You want him to score runs. He's opening the innings, which is a very important part of a T20 innings. How you start is almost how you finish in the end. He needs to score runs. I'm not seeing an immediate change. He will play the entire series against South Africa. But if the runs still don't come, then they'll have to look at Sanju Samson come that series against New Zealand," Chopra told ESPNCricinfo.

"You'll have to give him [all five games]. You've not given him a long enough rope. He was injured and missed a few games in between. He's coming out of a bit of cold kind of break. I will give him all five games. I would give him every single chance to cement that place and make it his own. But if it still doesn't happen, then India has to be the priority and that opening slot cannot be taken for granted,” he concluded.

Unfortunately, India suffered a 51-run defeat in the second T20I of the five-match series, which is currently levelled at 1-1. While South Africa posted an imposing total of 213/4 in 20 overs, India responded with 162 runs in 19.1 overs, losing the game by 51 runs.

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