After securing a historic draw in the Test series in England, India are gearing up for the much-anticipated Asia Cup event. Under Suryakumar Yadav's leadership, the Indian team will face the United Arab Emirates before taking on arch-rivals Pakistan in the mega event.
All eyes will be on Shubman Gill and Saim Ayub during the India vs Pakistan clash in the Asia Cup. Both these players have been phenomenal in white-ball cricket and will play a crucial role for their respective teams in the Asia Cup.
As they prepare for the mother of all battles, here's an analysis to find the better T20I batter between Shubman Gill and Saim Ayub.
Shubman Gill vs Saim Ayub: Overall T20I Record Comparison
Criterion
Gill
Saim
Innings
21
34
Runs
578
706
Average
30.4
22.1
Strike Rate
139.3
137.1
50s/100s
3/1
3/0
Dot %
39.8
42.7
Boundary runs %
64.35
68.83
(T20I record comparison of Saim Ayub and Shubman Gill)
Observation
Shubman Gill has played fewer dots than Saim Ayub, scoring runs more consistently in T20Is. The Indian batting sensation has also struck at a brisker pace than his Pakistani counterpart.
Inference
Although Saim has a higher percentage of runs through boundaries, Gill's consistency and lower percentage of dot balls signify his reliability in T20 Internationals. Also, given that Gill has a higher scoring rate despite a lower boundary percentage than Ayub, it suggests his ability to rotate the strike, establishing him as a trickier batter for the opposition.
Shubman Gill vs Saim Ayub in home and away venues
Criterion
Gill at home
Saim at home
Gill in away
Saim in away
Innings
7
11
14
23
Runs
225
163
353
542
Average
37.50
14.82
27.15
25.81
Strike rate
167.91
134.71
125.62
137.91
(T20I comparison of Saim and Shubman across conditions)
Observation
Shubman Gill has significantly better numbers than Saim Ayub in home conditions. However, both these players have comparable stats in away conditions, with Ayub striking at a much better rate than his Indian rival.
Inference
Considering the data presented in the table, we infer that Shubman Gill has been a better batter in home conditions, while Saim Ayub has outclassed the Indian superstar on foreign soil.
Shubman Gill vs Saim Ayub comparison in powerplay and middle overs
As Saim Ayub and Shubman Gill are opening batters, we have neglected the final five overs, taking the first two phases, i.e. powerplay and middle overs, into account.
Criterion
Gill
Ayub
Innings
21
34
Runs
498
662
Average
31.1
21.4
Strike Rate
130.7
134.3
Dot %
40.9
43.8
Boundary %
61.84
68.88
(T20I comparison of Saim and Shubman in 1-15 overs)
Observation
Shubman Gill has been more consistent, while Saim Ayub has been more dynamic, as evidenced by his superior strike rate and higher percentage of boundary runs.
Inference
Shubman Gill averages 31.1 as compared to only 21.4 by Saim Ayub, further highlighting his dependability in the powerplay and middle overs. However, the Pakistani star has struck at a much faster rate, even recording a higher boundary percentage, showcasing his ability to capitalise on the field restrictions.
Gill Or Ayub: Who Is Better In T20Is?
From the above analysis, it's evident that Shubman Gill has been more reliable, with Saim Ayub playing a pivotal role for Pakistan as a superior striker of the ball than his Indian counterpart. Therefore, although Shubman Gill seems to have a better overall record, Ayub has genuine potential to outperform him in the format.