Samson at top: Decoding India's best T20I opener with Abhishek if Gill misses out vs SA

Players who can replace injured Gill [Source: AFP Photo]

In the latest development, Shubman Gill, the Indian T20I vice-captain, has headed towards the BCCI Centre of Excellence (CoE), and there is a 50% chance that he will be cleared to play in the South Africa T20Is, which commence from December 9. The Indian star suffered from a neck sprain during the Kolkata Test match vs Saouth Africa, and was ruled out of the ODIs against the Proteas.

With the T20 World Cup coming in February, India shouldn’t take a risk when it comes to Gill, as the star player is vital for India’s chances in the marquee tournament. In case the batter gets ruled out of the T20Is as well, here are the alternative players who can open in his place.

1) Sanju Samson

After the T20 World Cup in 2024, Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli retired and Sanju Samson was made the permanent opener alongside Abhishek Sharma. The Chennai Super Kings star formed a dream partnership alongside Abhishek as the roadmap was clear for the future. However, with Gill returning to the T20Is, Samson was demoted to number 5.

Moreover, the batter has an astonishing record at the top of the order and the data tells the entire story.

(Samson as opener in T20Is)

• As the table reads, Samson boasts a stellar record while opening the batting, and the top spot has given him freedom to play his natural game.
• In 17 matches, he has accumulated 522 runs, but the most important part, he struck at 178.77, showcasing his brute power at the top. He also slammed three centuries, making the top spot his own, but the batter was demoted to accommodate Gill.
• If Gill indeed misses the T20Is, the first choice to replace him at the top should be Samson, who will feel at home at the top.

2) Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad, the CSK captain, first made a name for himself when he opened the batting in the IPL, and this is where he carved history and was regarded as one of the best openers of the IPL.

He has the experience of opening the batting for Maharashtra and for CSK, and the record also tells his prowess at the top.

(Gaikwad as opener in IPL)

• Out of the 70 IPL matches that he has played, Gaikwad has opened in 60 of them and boasts brilliant numbers at the top. He has scored 2289 runs, with a strike rate of 136, and also has slammed two centuries, showcasing his hunger for runs.
• Alongside Abhishek, Gaikwad will fit in the system perfectly as both batters are attacking-minded, and will take on the bowlers from both ends.

3) Yashasvi Jaiswal

Yashasvi Jaiswal, arguably India’s all-format future, last played a T2OI match in July 2024 against Sri Lanka, and since then, he has concentrated on Tests, while Samson and Abhishek were made the permanent openers.

In Jaiswal, India will have a fearless opener, and the dynamics with Abhishek will work for the team as the opposition bowlers will fear the Indian openers.

(Jaiswal in T20Is)

• He has played 23 matches, and the southpaw has a stellar record as an opener, racking up 723 runs with a strike rate of 164, showcasing his aggressive batting approach.
• He already has five fifties and a solitary century in the format, and if India wants an out-and-out aggressive opener to pair with Abhishek, then Jaiswal is the way to go for the management.

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