Shubman Gill issued ultimatum ahead of “extremely important” Australia T20Is; Samson, Jaiswal in line to replace him

Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra believes that the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia will be a defining moment for Shubman Gill, who is now facing mounting pressure to perform with the bat after being elevated to the leadership roles.

Shubman Gill is now under close watch as competition for the opening slot intensifies in the T20Is. Chopra has pointed out that Gill’s recent form has not been entirely convincing.

After being elevated to T20I vice-captaincy and ODI captaincy, the Punjab lad failed to make a strong statement with the bat, and his performances in the Asia Cup 2025 and the ODI series against Australia raised questions about his consistency.

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Aakash Chopra says Australia T20Is will be a make-or-break series for Shubman Gill

In the Asia Cup 2025, Gill managed just 127 runs in seven innings at an average of 21.17, and in the recent ODI series against Australia, he scored only 43 runs in three matches at an average of 14.33.

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Chopra pointed out that the upcoming T20I series is crucial for Gill because there are other capable players ready to step up. Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal, both in excellent form, are putting pressure on Gill for the opener’s position.

Samson has impressed whenever given the chance at the top, but has often been pushed down the order, and Chopra felt it was unfair with the latter.

There are people breathing down Shubman Gill's neck: Aakash Chopra

Aakash Chopra said in a video on his YouTube channel, “This series will be extremely important for Shubman Gill. It's important for him because runs weren't scored when he was elevated to ODI captaincy. Again, you can't read too much into it because it's just been one series. I get that. So it's not like there is a question on his place.”

The cricket pundit added, “There are people breathing down his neck. One is in the team itself. Sanju Samson had opened and done well. You are keeping him with the team and making him bat down the order. Many times, it seems like you are being unjust to Sanju Samson. There is pressure if you are not making him open.”

Notably, Jaiswal’s explosive starts and higher strike rate have made him a strong contender for the role in India’s T20I lineup. Statistically, Gill has scored 705 runs in 28 T20I innings at a strike rate of 141.28.

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Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson’s firepower turns up the heat on Shubman Gill

In comparison, Samson has amassed 993 runs at a better strike rate of 147.98 in 42 innings, while Jaiswal has already smashed 723 runs at an outstanding strike rate of 164.31 in just 22 innings.

These numbers show the intense competition Gill faces heading into the T20I series. And Chopra further mentioned, “Yashasvi Jaiswal is around the corner. He says he is also there and should also be played, and that he would also hit if he were played. So, making Yashasvi Jaiswal sit out also becomes an issue of pressure.”

Chopra further highlighted Gill’s inability to play a match-winning knock in the Asia Cup 2025 final despite conditions being favorable for his style. He believes that Gill doesn’t appear to be completely out of form, but his recent string of low scores and the rise of other openers have created pressure for him to deliver big innings on the Australia tour.