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Gavaskar on Gill's Shock Omission: Why Form and Touch Went Against Him

Sunil Gavaskar found Shubman Gill's omission from India's T20 World Cup squad to be a surprising decision. He acknowledged that Gill, a classic batter, had struggled for form and touch since returning from the Asia Cup. The selection panel opted for a wicketkeeper to open, which paved the way for Ishan Kishan's comeback based on his domestic trophy-winning form. Gavaskar also noted it was tough on wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, who he felt did nothing wrong in his opportunities.

Key Points: Gavaskar Surprised by Shubman Gill T20 World Cup Squad Omission

  • Gavaskar expresses surprise at Gill's exclusion from the T20 World Cup squad
  • He suggests Gill's post-Asia Cup struggles and lack of rhythm were factors
  • Selectors preferred a wicketkeeper-opener, bringing Ishan Kishan back into the side
  • Gavaskar also sympathizes with Jitesh Sharma's omission despite good performances
3 min read

Gill's omission surprising, maybe lack of form and touch went against him, says Gavaskar

Sunil Gavaskar says Shubman Gill's T20 World Cup omission is surprising, citing lack of form and rhythm. He praises Ishan Kishan's domestic comeback.

"It is a surprise. He is a classic, quality batter... Maybe just that lack of form and touch went against him. - Sunil Gavaskar"

New Delhi, Dec 20

Legendary India batter Sunil Gavaskar described Shubman Gill's omission from the T20 World Cup squad as surprising, suggesting that a lack of form and touch may have gone against the right-handed opener.

At the press conference held in BCCI HQ on Saturday, Gill's omission from the squad for the T20 World Cup and series against New Zealand emerged as a huge talking point. Since returning from the Asia Cup, Gill struggled to get going, with his highest score being 47 across 15 innings.

"It is a surprise. He is a classic, quality batter who had a fabulous season post the 2024 T20 World Cup. Yes, he struggled in a few matches against South Africa. But class is permanent, and form is temporary. He was also coming back after a long break and was out of rhythm.

"When you are not in rhythm in T20 cricket, where you have to attack from the start, it is hard. His natural game is more for Test cricket, playing along the ground. The shots needed in T20 do not come as easily to him. But he is a very good player. We have seen that in the IPL, so T20 is not new to him. Maybe just that lack of form and touch went against him," said Gavaskar on JioStar.

In Gill's absence, Axar Patel was named as India's vice-captain. Chief selector Ajit Agarkar later attributed Gill's exclusion as the team management's preference for a wicketkeeper to open the innings. It also meant Ishan Kishan came back into the India T20I team for the first time after November 2023.

Kishan scored 517 runs in 10 innings in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he captained Jharkhand to the title. "When you see someone performing, you pick him. Ishan Kishan has already been in the side and shown he can do it. That is a big plus.

"His current form in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy proves that domestic cricket performance must be the selection criteria, not just the IPL. I am very happy for him. He was out of the team for a couple of years but made a fantastic comeback by leading his state team Jharkhand to a title winning season," added Gavaskar.

With India's plans being reshaped, Jitesh Sharma also emerged as a notable omission, with left-handed batter Rinku Singh included to bolster the middle order firepower. "I feel for Jitesh Sharma though. He did nothing wrong. He was a very good wicketkeeper in his chances, and after MS Dhoni, he was perhaps the best at helping the captain with DRS calls from behind the stumps. It is tough on him, but he is young. He just needs to go back to domestic cricket and keep performing," concluded Gavaskar.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
Fully support picking Ishan Kishan! He earned it with domestic performance. We always complain when IPL form is the only criteria, so we must applaud when SMAT runs are rewarded. Welcome back, Ishan! 🎉
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Aman W
Gill's technique is sublime for Tests, but he sometimes looks a bit stiff at the start of a T20 innings. Maybe this break will help him work on his power game. He's too talented to be out for long.
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Sarah B
As a neutral fan, I find the Indian selection process fascinating. They seem to have a clear plan - a wicketkeeper-opener - and are sticking to it, even if it means dropping a big name. That's good team building.
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Vikram M
Feel really bad for Jitesh Sharma. He was excellent with the gloves and his energy. But Rinku Singh is a proven finisher, a rare commodity. It's a harsh game sometimes. Hope Jitesh bounces back stronger.
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Karthik V
With all due respect to Gavaskar sir, I disagree slightly. If "class is permanent", then Gill should have been given the New Zealand series to find form. Dropping him straight for a World Cup feels premature. What message does it send to other young players about security?

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