While India managed a 106-run victory against South Africa in Johannesburg, salvaging a 1-1 series draw, the match served as fertile ground for analysis for former cricketer Aakash Chopra. He trained his critical lens on the performances of three key Indian players: Shubman Gill, Tilak Varma, and Jitesh Sharma, whose recent outings raise questions about their T20I futures. Gill’s consecutive LBW dismissals for 0 and 8, both to left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, were particularly concerning.
“There is inconsistency when it comes to Shubman Gill’s T20I numbers,” Aakash Chopra observed on his YouTube channel. “There are 1-2 big knocks, but around it there is nothing but low scores. Also, against left-arm spin, it seems like there is an issue for him. To my understanding, he is trapped by the left-arm spinners inside the powerplay,” he added.
Chopra’s statement echoes the concerns of many fans who have witnessed Gill’s brilliance in flashes – like his maiden T20I century against New Zealand – but also his inconsistency in the format. This inconsistency, coupled with his technical vulnerability against left-arm spin, paints a worrying picture for his long-term T20I prospects.
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Tilak Varma, batting at the crucial No. 3 position, also failed to capitalize on the opportunity presented by the series. “Tilak Varma is missing opportunities. He will have to be careful, because his Ireland series was not good, and even here he is missing out while batting at No.3,” Aakash Chopra warned.
Tilak Varma’s lackluster performance in both Ireland and South Africa, coupled with the looming return of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, casts a shadow of uncertainty over his future at No. 3.
Chopra’s analysis isn’t without merit. He pointed out that “No. 3 is already a difficult place to hold because it is still Kohli’s. I think that both Rohit and Kohli will play in the 2024 T20 World Cup.”
Finally, Jitesh Sharma, who impressed with his cameos against Australia, couldn’t replicate that form in South Africa, scoring only 5 runs across two innings. “Jitesh Sharma has also missed out on opportunities in a way, but he bats down the order. If he does not do it, then there will be someone else who will be ready,” Aakash Chopra remarked, mentioning players like KL Rahul, Sanju Samson, and Rishabh Pant who are waiting in the wings.
Chopra’s words ring true. The T20I arena is unforgiving, and missed opportunities can be costly. For Jitesh, the clock is ticking, and he needs to make the most of his future chances to solidify his place in the Indian T20I setup. In conclusion, while India’s series draw provides a temporary sigh of relief, the performances of Gill, Varma, and Jitesh raise important questions about their long-term viability in the T20I setup.
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Shubman Gill’s technical flaws against left-arm spin, Varma’s missed opportunity at No. 3, and Jitesh’s fading chances in a crowded field – these are issues that cannot be ignored. The upcoming matches will be crucial for these players to demonstrate their ability to adapt and overcome, as the competition for spots in the Indian T20I team intensifies.
