Shubman Gill not a big match player: Statistical dive into Indian opener's record in finals

Shubman Gill [Source: AFP]

Shubman Gill has rapidly risen through the ranks of Indian cricket, hailed as the “next big thing” and even considered a future all-format captain. His elegant stroke play, temperament, and ability to dominate world-class attacks have made him indispensable in India’s top order. 

Yet, when it comes to finals, the stage where legends are made, Gill’s performances have been underwhelming. Statistical evidence suggests that while Gill thrives in league and bilateral encounters, he repeatedly falters in summit clashes.

World Test Championship Final 2021 (vs New Zealand)

Gill made his first major final appearance at Southampton. Opening alongside Rohit Sharma, he scored 28 runs (64 balls) in the first innings and only 8 runs (33 balls) in the second. With a strike rate under 45, Gill failed to provide solidity at the top. India went on to lose by 8 wickets, setting the tone for Gill’s underwhelming record in high-stakes matches.

World Test Championship Final 2023 (vs Australia)

Two years later, Gill again walked out in a WTC final, this time at The Oval. However, he contributed just 13 (15 balls) in the first innings and 18 (19 balls) in the second. His inability to withstand the pressure against Australia’s pace attack left India exposed early. Once again, India succumbed in a final, losing by 209 runs.

Asia Cup Final 2023 (vs Sri Lanka)

Although India clinched the title comfortably, Gill’s contribution was muted. Chasing only 51, he scored 27* (19 balls). While not a failure on paper, the innings lacked the impact one expects from a top-order batter in a final. The match was dictated by India’s bowlers especially Mohammed Siraj, and Gill’s role remained incidental.

ODI World Cup Final 2023 (vs Australia)

This was perhaps the most significant disappointment. India, unbeaten till the final at home, faced Australia at Ahmedabad. Gill managed just 4 runs (7 balls) before falling to Mitchell Starc. His dismissal at 30/1 triggered early pressure, and India’s batting never recovered. 

Australia lifted the trophy by 6 wickets, while Gill endured his lowest score of the tournament on the biggest night.

Champions Trophy Final 2025 (vs New Zealand)

Despite a stellar group stage, including a century against Bangladesh, Gill once again underperformed in the final. The Punjab batter managed 31 (50 balls) with a strike rate of 62 before falling to Starc. 

While India eventually won the trophy thanks to Rohit Sharma’s knock, Gill’s slow innings again raised questions about his approach in finals.

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Asia Cup Final 2025 (vs Pakistan)

Returning to T20Is after a break, Gill had an opportunity to make an impact against arch-rivals Pakistan. However, he managed only 12 runs off 10 balls at a strike rate of 120 on September 28.

Though he enjoyed a steady tournament overall with 115 runs across six innings, he fell short in the big clash. His early dismissal increased the pressure on the middle order, but Tilak Varma and Shivam Dube held their nerve, guiding India to a five-wicket win and securing their ninth Asia Cup title.

Overall in Finals: 141 runs in 6 tournaments and average 17.6

Why Gill might be failing in the tournament finals

• Psychological Weight: Finals bring a different kind of scrutiny. Gill, despite his calm image, may be carrying the burden of expectations and due to which he certainly failed.
• Tactical Exposure: Opponents prepare more meticulously for high-profile matches, often targeting Gill’s early vulnerability against left-arm pace, as seen with Mitchell Starc and Trent Boult.
• Role Adjustment: In crunch games, Gill appears torn between anchoring and attacking, which has often led to tentative starts and soft dismissals.

Conclusion

Tournament after tournament, Shubman Gill’s record in finals paints a worrying picture. Notably, Gill is undeniably one of India’s brightest batting prospects, but the numbers do not lie: in finals, he has consistently underperformed. His average of 17.6 runs across six finals is far below the standards expected of a modern-day match-winner. 

While India have occasionally managed to secure victories despite his failures, the recurring trend raises critical questions about his temperament on the biggest stage.

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