Former India cricketer Mohammad Kaif has stirred the selection debate by urging the team management to consider dropping Shubman Gill from the T20I XI for the remainder of the ongoing five-match series against South Africa. Kaif believes Gill’s position as vice-captain should not shield him from tough calls, stressing that team balance and performance must always come before designation.
Gill made his return to India’s T20I setup as an opener during the 2025 Asia Cup. To accommodate him at the top, the selectors altered a settled combination by pushing an in-form Sanju Samson down the order. While both batters struggled to adapt to their new roles, Mohammad Kaif pointed out that only Samson paid the price, eventually losing his spot in the playing XI.
Gill, meanwhile, has continued to get opportunities despite modest returns. Statistically, Gill’s struggles have been hard to ignore. He is yet to score a T20I half-century since his comeback and has not struck more than two sixes in any innings. His lean run hit a new low when he was dismissed for a first-ball duck in the second T20I against South Africa at home, adding to the scrutiny around his place in the side.
WATCH – Jitesh Sharma’s Respectful Gesture Toward Harleen Deol Wins Hearts Ahead Of IND vs SA T20I
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Mohammad Kaif highlighted concerns over Gill’s dismissals and approach. He noted that Gill appears caught between playing his natural game and trying to force aggressive shots, often mistiming strokes while attempting to mirror power-hitters like Abhishek Sharma. According to Kaif, this visible confusion suggests it may be time to give Gill a breather and test other proven options.
Kaif strongly backed Sanju Samson, calling him a top-quality batter who has not been given a consistent run. He questioned the apparent double standards in selection, pointing out that vice-captains have been dropped in the past when team interests demanded it. “If resting Gill helps the team, there should be no hesitation,” Mohammad Kaif remarked, emphasising fairness in decision-making.
ALSO READ: Ashish Nehra Reveals GT’s Smart Auction Strategy Ahead Of 2026 IPL Mini-Auction
He further added that the imbalance in opportunities is becoming increasingly obvious, with some players receiving extended runs while others are sidelined despite strong performances. Mohammad Kaif cited Samson’s remarkable record of three centuries in five T20 innings as an opener, arguing that such achievements deserve continuity.
With pressure mounting ahead of the third T20I in Dharamsala on Sunday, Kaif feels a bold call could help reset India’s T20 plans and restore clarity as the series progresses.
