“We will see different opening combinations” - Ravi Ashwin feels Shubman Gill might lose his T20I spot

Former Indian spinner Ravi Ashwin has stated that Abhishek Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal will form the most aggressive opening duo in the shortest format of the game at the moment, ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ashwin asserted that all formats should be dealt with separately and added that Jaiswal can’t make it to the T20I side after putting up good performances in the Test format.

“I don't think there is any connection between Tests and T20Is. One should keep these formats separate. It is essential to recognise that Jaiswal has done everything necessary. He cannot come into the T20I side by scoring more Test runs. He has done enough. He is striking close to 160, which is higher than that in the power play. He is averaging quite well, too,” said Ashwin on his channel ‘Ash Ki Baat’.

“Abhishek Sharma and Jaiswal are the most aggressive openers in India at this point in India. If you want to send two aggressive openers, then these two are your guys. I think that if they want a bit of fire and ice, this is what the Indian team is balancing. Abhishek is fire and ice can be found in Shubman,” he added.

Furthermore, Ashwin also added that Shubman Gill’s current equal competitor for the opening slot is Ruturaj Gaikwad, who also holds a similar batting pattern. He went on to state that the Indian team will see changes in its opening combinations before the mega event.

“If you want that sort of combination, then Shubman's equal competitor is Ruturaj Gaikwad. I think the T20I series, as we grow closer to the World Cup, we will see different opening combinations. I have a feeling that we will have a small change. Not a small change, a big one, but I think the others will get opportunities,” he concluded.

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