Mohammad Kaif praised the selection of Shubman Gill as the new T20I vice-captain of the Indian team by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) selectors. The 15-man squad for the Asia Cup next month was revealed by captain Suryakumar Yadav and chief selector Ajit Agarkar on Tuesday, August 19. Gill took Axar Patel’s spot as Suryakumar’s deputy and made a comeback to the T20I setup.
Since the July 2024 tour of Sri Lanka, Gill has not played for India in Twenty20 cricket. In June, he was a member of the 2024 T20 World Cup reserves. At the main event, India’s backup opener was Yashasvi Jaiswal. The Punjab batsman, however, has surpassed Jaiswal and reached the squad for the Asia Cup.
During the Test tour of England, which ended earlier this month, Gill shown his leadership abilities, according to Kaif.
The 25-year-old helped India tie the series 2-2 and finished as the top run scorer. Kaif said that Gill’s success as the Gujarat Titans’ captain contributed to his advancement in the Indian T20 team.
“What made him vice captain? It is as a result of his leadership abilities. He led beautifully and tied the series at 2-2, as we witnessed in England. He used the bat to score runs. According to a report from Ajit Agarkar, the selectors visit the players’ dressing room and discuss Gill’s leadership of the Gujarati squad. During the IPL, this comment was made. It was wonderful to see how Gill collaborated with the Gujarat Titans. He was praised by all. “The leader, Gill, did a fantastic job,” Kaif stated in a video posted on his YouTube page.
“Which starting lineup will be used? When will he bowl? He also appeared to be a good tactical player. After considering this from Agarkar’s perspective, the team was prepared for the Test match. “I saw Gill closely in the IPL, so it’s obviously commendable that he was named captain for the England tour,” he continued.
You see, the IPL performance is always taken into consideration by the selectors: Kaif
In his last three seasons in the IPL, Gill has amassed around 2000 runs at a remarkable strike rate, according to Kaif. According to the cricket player-turned-expert, IPL performances are taken into consideration by the selectors.
“His bat never stops, and he led brilliantly.” He has scored close to 2000 runs in the last three years in the IPL, if you look at his performance. The rate of strikes is in the 150s. Therefore, nothing is lacking. You see, the IPL’s performance is always taken into consideration by the selectors,” Kaif added.
India, Pakistan, Oman, and the host nation, the United Arab Emirates, are all in Group A. play September 10, the Men in Blue take play the United Arab Emirates at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium to begin their campaign.
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