Over the past two years, Shubman Gill has emerged as a pivotal batter for the Indian team. However, his inclusion in the T20 World Cup squad remains uncertain due to the team's abundance of opening batters, with three others already in contention for the position. Gill faces stiff competition from Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul for a spot in the squad. Notably, KL Rahul offers additional value as a wicket-keeping option, having served in this role during the 2023 ODI World Cup.
Former New Zealand cricketer and commentator Simon Doull expressed skepticism about Gill's selection for the Indian team. When asked about whether Gill is a guaranteed pick for the T20 World Cup squad, Simon Doull said on Cricbuzz, "Not yet. No, no, no."
Doull further commented on the team selection strategy, noting that carrying only one extra top-order batter is customary. He highlighted that having a player like KL Rahul, who can also keep wickets, is a bonus for any team.
"He's got a, you know, I mean, that spot up the top when you take in a World Cup 15. It should be 18 in my opinion. But when you're taking that side and you're picking it, you really only carry one extra top-order batter. You've probably only room for one top-order replacement batter if it happens to be someone like KL Rahul, who can keep wickets for you. And that is a real bonus. That top-order replacement batter, he keeps, Shubman doesn't keep. And if he can't make the side ahead of Jaiswal, Rohit and Virat at the moment, he probably doesn't go," Doull opined.
Gill played a solid knock against PBKS
On Thursday (April 4), Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill played an impressive innings of 89 runs against the Punjab Kings (PBKS), steering his team to a total of 199 runs. Despite this effort, PBKS managed to chase down the target, winning the match by three wickets.
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