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"Shubman Gill Will Try To Prove...": Irfan Pathan On India Captain's Pressure To Perform

Soumyajit Dutta

Irfan Pathan on Shubman Gill [Source: @nayzey008/X.com]Irfan Pathan on Shubman Gill [Source: @nayzey008/X.com]

Shubman Gill’s reappointment as vice-captain for the T20 Asia Cup is being seen as a significant boost for Indian cricket’s future. Following a successful stint as Test captain, his return to the shortest format is expected to strengthen the squad’s leadership core. 

Former all-rounder Irfan Pathan believes this move will benefit the team in the long run, adding that the 25-year-old will be eager to make a statement with his aggressive batting approach.

Pathan On Gill's Prospects In Asia Cup

Pathan emphasised that Shubman Gill’s new role would not create pressure on skipper Suryakumar Yadav, stating, “This selection of being vice-captain of Shubman Gill without the consent of Suryakumar Yadav would not have happened," Pathan said in an interaction with Sony Sports. 

On Gill’s approach, Pathan said that Gill will try to perform at his best to prove his place in the T20I fray of India.

“More than anyone else in this group, Gill will go there and try to prove a point in terms of playing aggressive cricket. He has the ability and he has got a lot of range,” Pathan said.

With Gill taking up Hardik Pandya's role as vice-captain, the pressure to perform will mount higher for the India Test captain. If it is about something to worry about, Gill's strike rate in T20Is is 139.27 from 21 matches, where he averages 30.42. Though the average looks good on paper, the T20I game needs more explosive batters at the top who can build the foundation quickly.

Pathan Backs SKY's Captaincy

Nevertheless, Gill's performance would be kept a close look on as Suryakumar will be at the helm in the defining tournament. Pathan elaborated on Suryakumar’s growing leadership.

“His responsibility is not only to perform, not only to actually look after the team, but at the same time grow leadership, grow the team and he has started (doing) that,” Pathan said.

Irfan Pathan shared that Rohit Sharma intends to continue his ODI career and remains motivated about his future in the format. Pathan mentioned having a detailed conversation with him, but also noted the challenge ahead, as both Rohit and Virat Kohli will need consistent opportunities to maintain their game time.