The recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 has sparked intense debate about the performance of Indian cricketers, particularly Shubman Gill. Once hailed as the next big thing in Indian cricket, Gill’s recent outings have raised eyebrows, with critics questioning his place in the team. A former Indian cricketer also has been vocal about his stance, labeling Gill as “overrated” and criticizing the selection committee for overlooking other deserving talents.

Shubman Gill’s disappointing performance in Australia

During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Gill’s batting was far from impressive. He managed scores of 31, 28, 1, 20, and 13 across five innings, which is a stark contrast to the expectations set for a player of his caliber. While the focus has largely been on veterans like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Gill’s inability to contribute significantly has not gone unnoticed. His average of under 30 in overseas conditions highlights a concerning trend for a player who was once seen as a potential match-winner.

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The legend supports a call for change

Krisnamachari Srikkanth‘s comments on his YouTube channel have ignited discussions about favoritism within the selection committee. He pointed out that while Gill continues to receive opportunities despite his lacklustre performances, players like Suryakumar Yadav, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Sai Sudharsan have been overlooked despite their impressive records in domestic cricket. Srikkanth emphasized that fresh talent should be promoted rather than sticking with players who fail to deliver consistently.

“I’ve always maintained that Shubman Gill is an overrated cricketer but nobody listened to me. He is a highly overrated cricketer. When Gill is getting this much of a long rope… some people might wonder whether even players like Suryakumar Yadav could have been given a longer rope in Tests,” Srikkanth stated.

The case for other talents

The argument for promoting other players is compelling. Gaikwad has been performing exceptionally well in first-class cricket, while Sudharsan has made waves during ‘A’ tours. Their consistent performances raise questions about why they are not being considered for the national team when players like Gill continue to struggle.

Srikkanth’s assertion that “Gill is surviving because he gets ten chances and scores on the tenth chance” resonates with many fans who feel that merit should dictate selection rather than past reputations or favouritism.

As India navigate its way through a transitional phase in cricket, accountability within the selection committee becomes paramount. The current crop of players must be evaluated based on their performances, especially in challenging conditions like those found in Australia. The selectors must recognize that while potential is important, consistent performance is crucial for success on the international stage.

Ricky Ponting’s observations about Gill also echo this sentiment. He noted that Gill needs to trust his instincts more and avoid overthinking his technique, which could be contributing to his struggles.

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