Whenever Shubman Gill doesn’t make runs, the pressure will pile on because Sanju Samson is currently benched: Irfan Pathan

Former Indian all-rounder and commentator Irfan Pathan has opened up on the Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill’s poor form in the ongoing five-match T20I series against South Africa. 

Unfortunately, India suffered a 51-run defeat in the second T20I in New Chandigarh, and the series is levelled 1-1 currently with three more games to go. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan asserted that Gill should be amongst the runs as Sanju Samson is waiting to take his spot.

"The main topic is of Shubman Gill. He is the vice-captain and the World Cup is nearing. But runs are not coming and he is struggling for form. He must make runs if he is to cement his spot in the T20I side, else he will be more under pressure. Gill got out for a first-ball duck in the second T20I but it’s not his game to step out and play as he did in the first. Whenever he doesn’t make runs, the pressure will pile on because Sanju Samson is currently benched,” Irfan Pathan said on his YouTube channel.

"He is not benched due to form but owing to the position. Samson will keep coming into contention whenever Gill doesn’t score. It’s important to understand both as fans and outsiders that what can India do if you are in that situation," he added.

Furthermore, Pathan also reckoned that Gill will be under constant pressure if he doesn’t score runs in the shortest format of the game as he is now part of the leadership group as the vice-captain of the T20I side.

"If Sanju Samson is brought into the side and doesn’t make runs, then India will be in a catch-22 situation. But if India are backing Shubman Gill for the World Cup, it’s critical for him to make runs. If it doesn’t, it will hurt India due to the good start they might not get. Secondly, Gill will find himself under constant pressure because he is part of the leadership group," he stated.

"Hence, Samson should also be mentally ready. I will say it again that Gill will score runs if he sticks to his own gameplan. If he keeps thinking that there’s another player waiting, it will be trouble. The team management’s role will be important then," he concluded.

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