Shubman Gill’s comeback to T20Is hasn’t gone as planned. After managing just four runs in the first match, the second game saw him fall for a golden duck, leaving fans and pundits scratching their heads. India boasts plenty of T20 talent, so the big question looms: should Gill hand over the opening spot to someone else? With his struggles mounting, it’s clear that Shubman Gill’s current form is under serious scrutiny.
Contents
The Golden Duck Disaster
Shubman Gill’s golden duck in the second T20I came early and set the tone for India’s struggles. Chasing a challenging 214, Gill faced Lungi Ngidi in the first over. Attempting a tentative forward push, he edged the ball straight to first slip, where Reeza Hendricks completed a sharp catch. It was a classic new-ball dismissal—something more reminiscent of a Test than a T20, and it left fans and pundits alike questioning why a player in such lean form was opening as vice-captain.
Golden Duck for Shubman Gill. pic.twitter.com/lk5yFBQZWa
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 11, 2025
Since returning to T20Is, Gill has scored just 263 runs in 14 innings at an average of 23.90, with no half-centuries to his name. Back-to-back low scores, including this golden duck, highlight the precariousness of Shubman Gill’s current form and raise concerns about his role leading into the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Related Article：Shubman Gill’s T20I Struggles：A Temporary Slump or a Long-Term Concern?
Indian Batting Under Pressure
Gill’s early exit left India in deep trouble. Abhishek Sharma followed him back to the pavilion after scoring only 17, and even captain Suryakumar Yadav couldn’t anchor the innings, departing for just five runs. In stark contrast, South Africa’s Quinton de Kock produced a scintillating 90 off 46 balls, showcasing his ability to dominate with precise and powerful strokes. Donovan Ferreira and David Miller then piled on runs in the death overs, leaving India chasing shadows. Watching India vs South Africa 2nd T20I highlights, it’s clear that the top order simply couldn’t cope with South Africa’s plan. Even Bumrah and Arshdeep conceded crucial runs in the final overs, underlining that the entire lineup struggled, not just Gill.
South Africa’s Brilliance
The Proteas’ batting was a masterclass in timing and aggression. De Kock, coming off a brief retirement, looked revitalised and consistently found the gaps while sending the ball skyward for sixes, particularly in the deep square leg region. Ferreira’s quickfire 30 and Miller’s unbeaten 20 ensured that South Africa not only set a competitive target but also controlled the chase comfortably. The way South Africa executed their strategy in India vs South Africa 2nd T20I highlights emphasizes the contrast between their clinical approach and India’s indecisive batting, leaving fans frustrated with India’s inability to stabilise the innings after early setbacks like Shubman Gill’s golden duck.
The Road Ahead
India’s T20 cupboard is full, but stability is the problem. With the 2026 T20 World Cup around the corner, the team is still testing batting positions and player combinations. The decision to push Sanju Samson down the order to accommodate Gill, who is struggling to rediscover his touch, has backfired. Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan voiced concerns about the World Cup implications, noting that Shubman Gill’s current form needs urgent improvement or India risks heading into a major tournament without a settled top order. Fans have also debated whether the vice-captaincy might be weighing Gill down, while others argue the selectors are being stubborn, clinging to a proven Test and ODI captain for the sake of continuity.
Golden 🦆 for Shubman Gill
An average of 23 in 14 inns since his return to the T20I setup, no fifties #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/YuNMxWwawJ
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) December 11, 2025
The remaining T20Is are crucial for India to finalise a combination before the World Cup. Rishabh Pant, Sanju Samson, and more players are all waiting for opportunities, and selectors may have to make tough decisions if Gill continues to struggle. If he finds form, he could cement his place, but back-to-back low scores, including Shubman Gill’s golden duck, make his position uncertain.
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) December 11, 2025
With India vs South Africa 2nd T20I highlights, it’s clear that India cannot rely on experimentation or sentiment anymore. They need consistent performers in clearly defined roles. For Gill, the next few matches will define whether he can reclaim his role as a leading opener or whether India will have to look elsewhere to strengthen the top order.
