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"Double standards": Ex-cricketer questions management for ignoring Samson and backing Gill

Jatin

Sanju Samson and Shubman Gill [Source: @sathish_offical/x.com]Sanju Samson and Shubman Gill [Source: @sathish_offical/x.com]

The tide is turning fast for Shubman Gill and this time, the critics aren’t whispering, they are loud and clear. Former India batter Mohammed Kaif has thrown his hat into the ring, saying what many fans have been murmuring for weeks: the young opener needs a breather.

Kaif questions Gill’s extended run after SA T20I failures

In a series where India hoped Shubman Gill would stamp his authority six months before the T20 World Cup 2026, the right-hander has looked like a fish out of water. Two dismissals in three balls across the first two T20Is against South Africa have only added fuel to the fire.

In a format where momentum is king and confidence is currency, Gill seems to be running low on both. Kaif didn’t sugarcoat his assessment. On his YouTube channel, he broke down Gill’s struggles in plain sight and pointed out why India might benefit from a reshuffle at the top.

“Look at how he is getting out, caught at slip, stepping out and mistiming, trying aggressive strokes like Abhishek Sharma and getting caught. He has tried everything. I think the time has come to give him a break and try players who are proven. Sanju Samson is a top-quality player; he hasn’t received enough chances. There should not be double standards. Even vice-captains have been dropped before. If it is in the team’s interest to rest Gill and bring in someone else, there is nothing wrong with it,” Kaif said.

And he is not wrong. Sanju Samson smashed three centuries in five T20 innings in 2024, an unheard-of run for an opener, yet hasn’t found a permanent seat at the table.

Kaif didn’t stop at Gill. He questioned the overall selection pattern, highlighting how some players get a long rope while others barely get a handful of games.

“But now it feels like the time has come for changes. You dropped players like Jaiswal, you kept Sanju Samson on the bench without giving him consistent chances, even though he scored heavily as an opener. He hit three centuries in five T20 innings, something no one in history has done. Some players get very few chances, while others get extended runs because you want to settle them in the team. That is clearly visible. But now, I think the pressure has increased so much that it is time for a change somewhere,” he added.

Gill’s workload coming back to haunt him

Gill isn’t just battling bowlers. He is battling the weight of responsibility too. Mohammad Kaif pointed out that the youngster has been handed too much too soon.

“I have said this before: Shubman Gill has received too many responsibilities at once. Test captaincy, ODI captaincy, T20 vice-captaincy — no player can carry that much weight at once. It is simply not possible. Responsibilities should be given gradually.”

What next for India?

Gill is clearly under the scanner. Samson is knocking on the door harder than ever. Jaiswal is in the waiting room. Abhishek Sharma is already firing.

India find themselves at a crossroads once again: stick with the plan or take the punt?

One thing is clear: Kaif’s words have stirred the pot and the pressure cooker around Gill is whistling louder with every passing game.

If India do make the switch, it could be a blessing in disguise for everyone involved. After all, sometimes a small break is all a big player needs to come back roaring.