Former India batter Sanjay Manjrekar has backed Shubman Gill for a future return to India's T20I setup after the team's recent struggles in overseas conditions. Manjrekar believes Gill has the technique and adaptability to succeed on challenging pitches, making him a strong option for the format going forward.
Manjrekar's comments came during India's disappointing 2-0 T20I series defeat to Ireland under captain Shreyas Iyer. The Men in Blue failed to chase modest targets, exposing weaknesses in the batting unit. Notably, the series also ended India's remarkable 16-series winning streak in bilateral T20I cricket.
Abhishek Sharma, Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson Will Be Tested - Sanjay Manjrekar on India's Batters
Speaking to broadcasters during the 2nd T20I, Sanjay Manjrekar said India's current top-order batters will face a tough challenge as they play more matches outside the subcontinent. He added that players need time to adjust to different conditions before they can consistently perform at the highest level.
"Batters who are good on certain kinds of pitches, like Abhishek Sharma, will be tested as time goes on. Shreyas Iyer will be tested, and Sanju Samson will be tested as well because they've played so much on certain kinds of surfaces. We also have to give them time to adjust to these surfaces."
Sanjay Manjrekar saying why Gill should be in the T20I team. pic.twitter.com/Vi0UZZka3q
— Shubverse (@abhiman_x) June 28, 2026
You'll See One Name Come to the Fore - Sanjay Manjrekar predicts Shubman Gill's Return
Manjrekar believes India's recent struggles in overseas conditions could eventually open the door for Shubman Gill's return to the T20I side. He said that Gill is likely to become an important option as the team continues its transition.
"But slowly and steadily, you'll see one name come to the fore in all this, and that's a guy who's not in the squad right now - Shubman Gill."
Gill had a brief stint in India's T20I setup last year before being left out. The 25-year-old recently led India to a 3-0 ODI series sweep over Afghanistan in his first assignment as captain. He was named Player of the Series after scoring 232 runs, including a superb 154.
These Are the Players You Slowly Want to Bring Back - Sanjay Manjrekar Backs Shubman Gill
Manjrekar that said Gill has already proved himself as a T20 batter. He added that Gill's experience in overseas conditions and strong technique make him a valuable player for India's future T20I plans.
"Shubman Gill, just for people to understand, is a T20 batter now. He had a tremendous IPL and captained his team as well. I'm not talking about his captaincy, but these are the players you slowly want to bring back into T20 cricket because they have a little more depth to handle conditions like these and get used to them, as we've seen in England and other overseas places where he has played. So that's my view on Shubman Gill going forward. Not right now, but that will start to happen slowly."
The batter also made a strong case for a T20I recall during IPL 2026. Gill scored 732 runs at a strike rate of 163.02 to finish as the tournament's second-highest run-scorer. However, the selectors retained the existing opening options and included teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi in the squad.
