Mumbai
Win Projections to be updated soon
Shubman Gill, India’s vice-captain in ODIs and T20Is, expressed his intention to enhance his performance in T20 cricket as the team gears up to defend their T20 World Cup title in 2026.
“My T20I performance before the upcoming World Cup didn’t meet my expectations,” Gill stated ahead of the series opener against Sri Lanka in Pallekele. “Hopefully, in the upcoming cycle – with around 30-40 T20Is to be played before the next T20 World Cup – I can elevate my batting performance, along with the team’s overall performance.”
Gill was not part of the squad that clinched the T20 World Cup 2024, but now, with senior batters like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired from T20Is, he and Yashasvi Jaiswal have become the primary opening choices for India.
“We share a great batting partnership and complement each other well,” Gill commented on his pairing with Jaiswal. “As a right-left combination, we have built strong partnerships in previous T20Is, some of which exceeded 150 runs. We understand each other’s game and enjoy batting together.”
Following the T20 World Cup 2024, Gill led India in Zimbabwe, showcasing his talent with 170 runs at a strike rate of 125.92 in five innings. He was later appointed vice-captain for the limited-overs series in Sri Lanka, surpassing other opening contenders.
The series in Sri Lanka marks Gautam Gambhir’s debut as the India coach, succeeding Rahul Dravid post the T20 World Cup triumph.
“Having just had two net sessions together, this is my first time working with Gambhir,” Gill mentioned. “But his clear intent and communication in these sessions have been impressive. He knows what he expects from each player and what strategies will be effective.”
India is set to play three T20Is against Sri Lanka in Pallekele on July 27, 28, and 30, followed by three ODIs in Colombo on August 2, 4, and 7.
