Former India wicketkeeper Deep Dasgupta has stressed the need for Shubman Gill to adopt a stabilizing role similar to that played by Virat Kohli in T20Is amid his poor form. With Gill struggling for form in the format, Dasgupta pointed out that his contribution as a pivot in the line-up is vital to India’s prospects as they look to defend their World T20 title against the USA on February 7 in Mumbai.
India’s T20I vice-captain managed just 291 runs in 15 innings since his recent return to the format earlier this year in the Asia Cup, a number that does not have a reputation as a batsman. In an interview with PTI Videos, Dasgupta compared Gill’s role to Kohli’s and said that holding one end while others play is a proven strategy for the team.
“For me, Shubman’s role is very different because if you see most of the other players are stoke players, that’s the kind of role that Virat has played so well and done so well over the years, which is sticking at one end while everyone else is playing,” Deep told PTI Videos.
Dasgupta further elaborated on Gill’s position in the batting order and emphasized the need for him to be a central figure. He added that Gill should act as a pivot for the rest of the batting line-up.
“I think I see Shubman in that role that Virat played. He’s that fulcrum that everyone around him plays, not necessarily a high strike rate like others, but consistent than others, which is the role I see,” he added.
With the T20 World Cup fast approaching and India having limited matches to prepare for, Dasgupta also shared his views on the need both captain Suryakumar Yadav and Gill to focus on spending more time at the crease as they both try to regain form. He said it was only a matter of time before the duo returned to their best.
“I don’t think it will bother them, but ideally you would like them (Gill and Sky) to start firing again. If you want them to be fearless, it will come with the price and with the price being consistent. That’s one thing you have to watch out for. But there will be concerns and ideally we would like Surya and everyone to be in form, but unfortunately we don’t have enough good matches before the World Cup. Time,” he added.
Meanwhile, India will face South Africa in the fourth T20I on Wednesday, December 17. The men in blue, who lead the series 2-1, will look to seal the streak in the upcoming game. All eyes will once again be on Suryakumar Yadav and Shubman Gill as the countdown to the World Cup begins.
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Issued by:
Rishabh Beniwal
Published on:
December 16, 2025
