Shubman Gill has increasingly become the face of India’s cricketing future, and according to former India cricketer Ajay Jadeja, the young opener is already enjoying certain privileges in the national setup. Despite the presence of proven T20 performers like Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal, Gill has been given the nod, underlining the faith the selectors and team management have placed in him.
Gill’s rise has been steady and significant. Earlier this year, he was handed the responsibility of leading India in Tests during the England series, where he showcased his temperament by amassing over 700 runs in the five-match contest that ended 2-2. Building on that momentum, the 26-year-old was appointed vice-captain of India’s T20I side for the ongoing Asia Cup, despite not featuring in the format at the international level for nearly a year.
“Everyone has put their hopes on him. There’s something special about Shubman Gill, no doubt about it. If he’s being preferred over someone like Jaiswal or Sanju Samson, who has scored three centuries in this format, it tells you how highly he is regarded. He’s the chosen one,” Ajay Jadeja said on Sony Sports.
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Jadeja further explained that Gill is being viewed not just as a consistent performer but also as a future leader of Indian cricket.
“He’s consistent, and it’s not only about his game. It’s the way he carries himself as a person. With his growth, he’s being looked at as a future captain. These advantages are privileges, but they also come with pressure. It’s the pressure of privilege, not survival,” he added.
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Gill marked his T20I return in style during India’s Asia Cup opener against UAE, smashing an unbeaten 20 off just nine balls as India chased down 58 in 4.3 overs. Jadeja believes this short but impactful innings was enough to justify the faith.
“As India look to play eight batters, consistency may not matter as much. His strike rate will improve, even if his run tally dips slightly,” Ajay Jadeja concluded.
