Shubman Gill’s T20I struggles have continued in the ongoing series between India and Australia. The newly inducted vice-captain hasn’t justified his promotion and a place in India XI for T20I matches.

Shubman Gill’s T20I Struggles Show No Sign of Letting Up

Head coach Gautam Gambhir has earlier hinted that he prefers having one captain for all three formats, as it’s easier to curate plans and strategy. Naturally, he sees Shubman as an all-format captain, and could also be awarded T20I captaincy after the 2026 World Cup. Due to this reason, the 26-year-old might have been accommodated into the T20I side. Let’s take a look at Shubman Gill’s recent form and how his inclusion in the T20I setup has disrupted India’s batting order.

Related Article：Is India Paying a Hidden Price for Backing Shubman Gill in Asia Cup 2025?

Shubman Gill’s Tally in the Last 10 T20I Matches

Shubman Gill has offered minimal returns for the Indian team in his last 10 T20I appearances. Gill’s return was fueled by an impressive IPL 2025, where he slammed 650 runs in 15 games at an average of 50. However, he hasn’t translated that form into T20Is and failed to set the tempo required by an opener in modern-day cricket.

Shubman Gill hasn’t had a great time in T20Is of late 😬#INDvAUS #IndianCricket pic.twitter.com/7xJwUzx0zJ

— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) November 2, 2025

Shubman Gill has garnered only 184 runs in his last 10 innings at a disappointing average of 23 and a highest score of 47 against Pakistan in the Asia Cup. He possesses a fine strike rate of 146 and has a dot ball percentage of 32.5%. It is worth noting that Gill hasn’t been producing enough big shots compared to other batters. As a result, the pressure is on his opening partner, Abhishek Sharma, to employ an aggressive mindset to up the team’s ante, which can prove detrimental at times.

Shubman Gill Got out on 15 (12)

Gill in SENA T20Is (so far)
Innings : 5
Runs : 65
Avg : 16.25
SR : 130.00#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/xVjheVdibv

— 𝑺𝒉𝒆𝒃𝒂𝒔 (@Shebas_10dulkar) November 2, 2025

During the Asia Cup final against Pakistan, the right-hander failed to rise to the occasion and was dismissed for 12. Although the Indian team chased a 147-run total, it could have impacted them badly in case of a big target. With most players opting for a positive intent, Shubman Gill’s T20I struggles depict his inability to stick to the team’s playing style. With a lack of runs and an absence of a proactive approach, Gill has a formidable mountain to climb ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Shubman Gill’s Return Has Affected Other Batting Positions

Shubman Gill’s recent form after making a comeback into India XI for T20I matches promised consistency at the top and a batter who has the potential to carry the bat. However, he has failed to manufacture runs on the subcontinent as well as on Australian soil, and has had an impact on other batting positions as well. In three games so far, Gill has scored 57 runs at an average of 28.50 and a strike rate of 135.71, with a top score of 37*. He has failed to live up to the expectations in the last two games, registering scores of 5 & 15.

Shubman Gill dismissed for 5 in 10 balls. pic.twitter.com/7zdRAoyZ4P

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 31, 2025

Before the Asia Cup, the Indian team had a set opening combination of Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma. They scored 267 runs together at an average of 22.25, as the side won 10 out of those 12 games. However, with Gill back in the mix, Samson has to shift to the middle-order, and India has missed the keeper-batter’s clean hitting and six-hitting prowess in the powerplay. He was also dropped from the XI after a solitary failure.

Shubman Gill dismissed for 15 in 12 balls. pic.twitter.com/4hrsaDxADP

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) November 2, 2025

With Sanju Samson shifting down in the order, Tilak Varma’s batting position also remains uncertain. Moreover, Yashasvi Jaiswal has also been sidelined from the T20I XI, despite his consistent showing in the recent editions of the IPL.

Why Must India Choose the Right Players for the Right Formats?

Although Gautam Gambhir seems interested in keeping Shubman Gill part of India XI for T20I matches, he has not yet shown credibility as a batter in the format. It is due to his taking part in almost all international games played by India in a calendar year and not having enough rest days. Shubman Gill’s recent form is certainly a major problem for the Indian team, as they strive to prepare their best XI ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Just to fit Shubman Gill in the team
• Sanju Samson n jaiswal dropped from team
• Currently Best finisher of India in T20Is Rinku Singh is not finding a place in team
• Tilak Verma is not playing at no 3
• Axar Patel is removed from vice Captaincy 💔 pic.twitter.com/otRfx6uSUB

— . (@kadaipaneer_) November 2, 2025

The continuous switching between formats has hampered his playing style, and he seems confused with his approach. Notably, the Test series between India and the West Indies was scheduled just three days after the conclusion of the 2025 Asia Cup. The batters often need optimum time to train their instincts for a particular format. But, with Shubman Gill participating in all of them, it has become a difficult task for him to find an appropriate style to match the T20I team’s mindset. Gill had also reiterated that switching formats involves more mental challenges than changes in technique. The batter needs to be quick in identifying the areas to attack and defend for every format and needs to stick to the same process to achieve success.

Interesting stats: Since Shubman Gill has made his comeback in the T20 team, India has crossed 200 just once, and even in that, Gill got out for only 4 runs

When Sanju and Abhishek used to open, we used to score 250 plus in almost every match unreal downgrade of our T20 team pic.twitter.com/3c4e1AQoKY

— Aditya Soni (@imAdsoni) November 2, 2025

Looking at Shubman Gill’s T20I struggles, there needs to be a definite plan to manage Gill’s workload, as he is one of the gifted players of this generation and could go on to surpass the records set by his predecessors. The same goes for other players as well, like Jasprit Bumrah, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, and Washington Sundar, who have been part of all formats. They need to prioritise particular format(s), so that they can be better prepared in terms of fitness and opposition.