At Harare Sports Club, India’s reserve team defeated Zimbabwe by a commanding 10-wicket margin in the fourth Twenty20 International. But instead of being a cause for joy, the controversy surrounding skipper Shubman Gill’s actions in the closing stages of the chase has overshadowed the event.
With a 3-1 lead in the series, India has played a dominant role. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill had an explosive opening combination in the match, easily chasing Zimbabwe’s mark of 153.
Particularly Jaiswal was in outstanding form, leaving a lasting impression despite not participating in the most recent T20 World Cup and only joining the squad for the third T20I.
Jaiswal’s performance of 93* off 63 balls was a textbook example of forceful batting. He struck 15 runs in the opening over to establish the tone, and he didn’t let up. Gill, who scored a strong 58 runs off of 39 balls, was a supporting player. Their continuous partnership of 156 runs destroyed the Zimbabwe bowling attack, allowing them to finish the chase in an only 15.2 overs.
In the last moments of the game, the dispute started. The expectation among supporters was that Gill would play cautiously, giving his partner an opportunity to score a well-earned century, with India needing 21 runs to win and Jaiswal on 83. Rather, Gill quickened his pace of scoring, hitting a six and a boundary to achieve his half-century and secure the victory.
Also Read: Yashasvi Jaiswal, referring to similarities between Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, said, “Me and Gill are trying to take it match-by-match.”
Social media users were incensed by Gill’s choice, calling him self-centered for supposedly depriving Jaiswal of the chance to earn three figures. The event brought to mind Pakistani captain Babar Azam, who has previously been criticised for his self-centered performance.
🤜🏻🤛🏻 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/x2m0FbBAkZ
— Shubman Gill (@ShubmanGill) July 13, 2024
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shubman Gill today 💀 pic.twitter.com/8AZ3Inkxsf
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) July 13, 2024
Pic-1 :Selfish Shubman Gill Eat Jaiswal ‘s Well Deserve Century for his Fifty when he is on his 40s.
Pic-2 : Sanju Defended the ball for Jaiswal so that he can complete his century.
choose your leader wisely.#SanjuSamson #ShubmanGill #YashasviJaiswal #ZIMvsIND pic.twitter.com/GOLdtPk4bL— Sanju Samson(Parody) (@SanjuSamson_RR) July 13, 2024
Why do we need selfish players like Shubman Gill who can’t play for the team.
I had a doubt on him since he made Rohit Sharma runout against Afghanistan.
Abhishek Sharma and Yashasvi Jaiswal deserve a good captain.#IndvsZim pic.twitter.com/CNYABwqp1i
— Ctrl C Ctrl Memes (@Ctrlmemes_) July 13, 2024
You are a worst leader. This is not surprised me, you played your IPL match under Hardik Pandiya. You intentionally stopped the century of Yashasvi jaiswal. Shame on you, you betrayed the game and I wish you should get punishment for this act.
— ps manoranjan jena (@manoranjanjena1) July 14, 2024
With Jaiswal’s aggressive style and Gill’s consistent presence, they have established themselves as a formidable opening combination for upcoming series. Their actions have probably guaranteed them a spot in the series against Sri Lanka later this month. On July 14 in Harare, India will play the final Twenty20 International against the team captained by Sikandar Raza.
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