Indian vice-captain Shubman Gill’s absence from the fourth T20I against South Africa in Lucknow has created more debate than clarity as his leg injury coincided with a rough patch in form that had already put him under scrutiny. While the official line confirmed the failure of the injury, a section of fans saw the development as a suitable shield from criticism, particularly amid growing calls for changes at the top of the order.
Gill returned to the T20I set-up after missing the ODI series against South Africa due to a neck problem. The five-match T20I series was seen as a chance for the right-hander to reset, especially after an underwhelming Asia Cup campaign. However, his comeback did not have the desired effect. Gill struggled in the opening two matches, falling cheaply in both, before showing a brief flash of rhythm in the third T20I in Dharamshala.
IND vs SA, Lucknow T20I Update
In the three games he played, Gill managed just 32 runs. Scores of four and zero in Cuttack and Mullanpur put him under pressure, while his 28 in Dharamshala only partially eased fears. His series average is 10.66 with a strike rate of 103.22, numbers that underline his struggles in a format that calls for aggression from the start.
The situation was expected to lead to a change in the Lucknow T20I, with Sanju Samson expected to step in as the opener. However, this discussion turned academic after the match at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Stadium was abandoned due to poor visibility behind the smog of the affected evening. Still, Gill’s injury decision ensured he stayed out of the spotlight, at least temporarily.
Looking at the bigger picture, Gill T20I returns in 2025 have been modest. In 15 matches this year, he has scored 291 runs at an average of 24.25 at a strike rate of 137.26. While not alarming in itself, the numbers contrast sharply with the expectations placed on him as vice-captain and key batsman.
Injuries elsewhere have added to India’s worries, with Axar Patel already ruled out for the rest of the series. Gill’s absence could be an opening for Samson, who last featured in a T20I during the Australian tour. Samson enjoyed a prolific 2024 as an opener, scoring 512 runs in 14 matches at an average of 39.38 and a strike rate of 182.20, making his potential return an interesting undercard as India reassess their options.
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Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
December 18, 2025
